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Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Center - Jefferson City, MO

Jefferson City 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

Jefferson City, Missouri

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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 Jefferson City

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Jefferson City Hospitals *

Capital Region Medical Center Madison
1125 Madison St
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573)632-5000

St Marys Health Center
100 St Marys Medical Plz
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(573)761-7000

Callaway Community Hospital
10 S Hospital Dr
Fulton, MO 65251
(573)642-3376

Fulton State Hospital
600 E Fifth St
Fulton, MO 65251
(573)592-4100

Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital
800 Hospital Dr
Columbia, MO 65201
(573)814-6000

Mid Missouri Mental Health Center
3 Hospital Dr
Columbia, MO 65201
(573)884-1300

University of Missouri Health Care Hospital
One Hospital Dr
Columbia, MO 65212
(573)882-4141

Boone Hospital Center
1600 E Broadway
Columbia, MO 65201
(573)815-8000

Columbia Regional Hospital
404 Keene St
Columbia, MO 65201
(573)875-9000

Ellis Fischel Cancer Center
115 Business Loop 70 W
Columbia, MO 65203
(573)882-2100

Howard A Rusk Rehabilitation Center
315 Business Loop 70 W
Columbia, MO 65203
(573)817-2703

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