Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency medical care for:
New or rapidly worsening weakness in an arm or leg
New loss of bladder or bowel control
Inability to pass urine
New numbness around the genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs
Sudden inability to stand or walk
Severe back pain with rapidly developing nerve symptoms
These symptoms can indicate spinal cord or cauda equina compression.
Routine appointments are appropriate when symptoms are stable and no emergency warning signs are present.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Prompt treatment may reduce the risk of lasting nerve damage.
Contact your healthcare team urgently if you have a known cancer and develop new, severe, or worsening back or neck pain, especially with numbness, weakness, pain around the chest or abdomen, or difficulty walking.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical assessment for persistent unexplained back pain, gradually increasing numbness, balance changes, or other symptoms that do not settle.
These symptoms have many possible causes and do not by themselves mean that you have a tumor.
During follow-up, report new pain, reduced mobility, changing sensation, or problems with bladder or bowel function.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Spinal tumor. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.