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 help for:
Severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing
Harsh, high-pitched breathing called stridor
Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, throat or stoma
Choking or inability to swallow saliva
Sudden blockage or displacement of a breathing tube
After a total laryngectomy, oxygen and emergency ventilation must be given through the neck stoma, not through the mouth or nose.
Wearing medical identification can help emergency responders recognise this.
And for anyone, someone who:
is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Other emergency signs, for anyone
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
Contact your cancer team promptly if you are receiving treatment and develop worsening swallowing, dehydration, uncontrolled pain, fever, new neck swelling or difficulty managing a feeding tube or stoma.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical assessment if you have persistent hoarseness, swallowing discomfort, a neck lump, one-sided ear pain or another unexplained throat symptom.
This is particularly important when a symptom lasts several weeks, is getting worse or keeps returning.
And for anyone, someone who:
has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Throat or larynx cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.