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Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Center - Knoxville, TN

Knoxville 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

Knoxville, Tennessee

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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 Knoxville

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Knoxville Hospitals *

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
1901 Clinch Ave SW
Knoxville, TN 37916
(865)541-1111

Baptist Riverside Outpatient Testing
137 W Blount Ave
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865)218-7011

Select Specialty Hospital
1901 Clinch Ave
Knoxville, TN 37916
(865)541-2600

East Tennessee Children's Hospital
2018 Clinch Ave
Knoxville, TN 37916
(865)541-8000

St Marys Health System
900 E Oak Hill Ave
Knoxville, TN 37917
(865)545-8000

University of Tennessee Medical Center
1924 Alcoa Hwy
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865)544-9000

Lakeshore Mental Health Institute
5908 Lyons View Dr
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865)584-1561

Peninsula Hospital
2347 Jones Bend Rd
Louisville, TN 37777
(865)970-9800

Parkwest Medical Center
9352 Park West Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37923
(865)373-1000

Baptist Hospital for Women
10820 Parkside Dr NW
Knoxville, TN 37934
(865)218-6011

Blount Memorial Hospital
907 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Maryville, TN 37804
(865)983-7211

Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge
990 Oak Ridge Tpke
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
(865)835-1000

Ridgeview Psychiatric Hospital & Center
240 W Tyrone Rd
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
(865)482-1076

Fort Loudoun Medical Center
550 Fort Loudoun Medical Center Dr
Lenoir City, TN 37772
(865)271-6000

Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center
709 Middle Creek Rd
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865)429-6100

St Mary's Jefferson Memorial Hospital
110 Hospital Dr
Jefferson City, TN 37760
(865)471-2500

St Mary's Medical Center of Campbell County
923 E Central Ave
La Follette, TN 37766
(423)907-1200

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