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Warning-sign checks

Urethral cancer: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for severe uncontrolled bleeding, fainting, confusion, or other signs of a serious immediate illness.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    If you have been treated for urethral cancer, contact your cancer team promptly about new bleeding, worsening urinary symptoms, unexplained weight loss, persistent pelvic pain, or a new groin lump.

    Do not wait for the next routine follow-up visit.

    Seek urgent medical care if you cannot pass urine, especially with increasing lower abdominal pain.

    Heavy bleeding, large blood clots, or fever with difficulty urinating also needs urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you notice blood in your urine, urethral bleeding or discharge, a persistent weak stream, pain when urinating, or a new lump near the urethra.

    These symptoms usually have causes other than cancer, but they should be checked if they persist or recur.

    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 Urethral cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.