Breast Cancer Center - Westfield, MA
Westfield Oncologist Doctors for Breast CancerType of Physician: Oncologist What is a Oncologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; the oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors. These subspecialists decide on and administer chemotherapy as well as consult with surgeons and radiotherapists on other treatment for cancer. Specialty: Oncology (Medical) Common Name: Cancer Doctor Oncologist Doctors in Westfield * Drs Murray & Glynn MD PC  Robert Byrne MD  Northampton Internal Medicine Westfield, MassachusettsUpcoming Local Events2011-02-25
Breast CancerRead the Breast Cancer article » I may have breast cancer, what questions should I ask my doctor?If you have received a positive or possible diagnosis of breast cancer, there are a number of questions that you can ask your doctor. The answers you receive to these questions should give you a better understanding of your specific diagnosis and the corresponding treatment. It is usually helpful to write your questions down before you meet with your health-care provider. This gives you the opportunity to ask all your questions in an organized fashion. Each question is followed by a brief explanation as to why that particular question is important. We will not attempt to answer these questions in detail here because each individual case is just that, individual. This outline is designed to provide a framework to help you and your family make certain that most of the important questions in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment have been addressed. As cancer treatments are constantly evolving, specific recommendations and treatments might change and you should always confer with your treatment team regarding any questions.
Is the doctor sure I have breast cancer?Certain types of cancer are relatively easy to identify by standard microscopic evaluation of the tissue. This is generally true for the most common types of breast cancer. However, as the search for earlier and rarer forms of breast cancer progresses, it can be difficult to be certain that a particular group of cells is malignant (cancerous). At the same time, benign conditions may have cells which are somewhat distorted in appearance or pattern of growth (known as atypical cells or atypical hyperplasia). For this reason, it is important that the pathologist reading the slides of your breast biopsy be experienced in breast pathology. Most good pathology groups have multiple pathologists review questionable or troublesome slides. In more diffi... Recommended Reading Related to Breast CancerBreast Cancer and Lymphedema » What Is Lymphedema?Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs. The condition develops when lymph vessels or lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, or removed. There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema is rare and is caused by the absence of, or abnormalities in, certain lymph vessels at birth. Secondary lymphedema occurs as a result of a blockage or interruption that alters the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system and can develop from an infection, cancer, surgery, scar tissue formation, trauma, deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a vein), radiation, or other cancer treatment. Who Is at Risk for Developing Lymphedema?People who have had any of the following procedures may be at risk for developing lymphedema:
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Swollen Lymph Nodes
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Bone Cancer
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Fibrocystic Breast Condition
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Male Breast Cancer
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Breast
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Lymphedema
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Paget's Disease of the Nipple
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Women's Health
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Breast Cancer and Lymphedema
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Senior Sex
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Inflammatory Breast Cancer
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Breast Cancer Prevention
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Breast Cancer in Young Women
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