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Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Center - Chico, CA

Chico Oncologist Doctors for Breast Cancer and Lymphedema

Type 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 Chico *

John A Keech Jr. DO
John A Keech
265 Cohasset Rd
STE 150
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 899-8000

NorthCal Hematology Oncology Inc
Gurvinider Shaheed
11795 Education St
STE 220
Auburn, CA 95602
(530) 888-9907

NorthCal Hematology Oncology Inc
Vijay Suhag
11795 Education St
STE 220
Auburn, CA 95602
(530) 888-9907

Sacrmento Center For Hematology & Oncology
Robert S Miller
2929 K St
STE STE 200
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 454-6700

UC Davis Medical Group Cancer Center
Yinlee Yoong
4501 X St
STE 2001
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 734-5959

Chico, California

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Breast 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:

  • Simple mastectomy in combination with axillary (arm pit) lymph node removal.
  • Lumpectomy in combination with axillary lymph node removal.
  • Modified radical mastectomy in combination with axillary lymph node removal.
  • Combined cancer surgery and radiation therapy to a lymph node region (such as the neck, armpit, groin, pelvis or abdomen).
  • Radiation therapy to a lymph node region.

Lymphedema can occur within a few days, months, or years after surgery. A small amount of swelling is normal for the first four to six weeks after surgery.

What Happens After My Breast Cancer Surgery?

Lymphedema develops after breast surgery because there is an alteration in the pathway that drains the fluids involved in the immune system. It can occur at any time after the surgery. If untreated, it can become worse.

Following surgery, a physician will examine you and take arm measurements. Sometimes, there may be redness or pain in the arm, which may be a sign of inflammation. Depending on...

Recommended Reading Related to Breast Cancer and Lymphedema

Breast Cancer and Coping With Stress »

What Causes Stress Among Breast Cancer Patients?

Stress is common among breast cancer patients. Stressors related to the disease may include the uncertainty of one's future, the unpredictability of disease, disability, and financial difficulties.

Common stress signals can include disturbed sleep, fatigue, body aches, pain, anxiety, irritability, tension, and headaches.

How Can I Reduce Stress?

Stress can build, influencing how you feel about life. Prolonged stress may lead to frustration, anger, hopelessness, and -- at times -- depression. The person with the illness is not the only one affected. Family members are also influenced by the health changes of a loved one. To reduce stress:

  • Keep a positive attitude.
  • Accept that there are events you cannot control.
  • Be assertive instead of aggressive. "Assert" your feelings, opinions or beliefs instead of becoming angry, combative or passive.
  • Learn to...

Emergency Contact for Chico

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Chico Hospitals *

Enloe Medical Center Esplanade
1531 Esplanade
Chico, CA 95926
(530)332-7300

Feather River Hospital
5974 Pentz Rd
Paradise, CA 95969
(530)877-9361

Oroville Hospital
2767 Olive Hwy
Oroville, CA 95966
(530)533-8500

Glenn Medical Center
1133 W Sycamore St
Willows, CA 95988
(530)934-1800

Biggs Gridley Memorial Hospital
240 Spruce St
Gridley, CA 95948
(530)846-5671

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