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Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Center - Lubbock, TX

Lubbock 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 Lubbock *

Southwest Cancer Center
Fred L Hardwicke
602 Indiana Ave
Lubbock, TX 79415
(806) 775-8600

Joe Arrington Cancer Center
Jose A Figueroa
4101 22nd Pl
Lubbock, TX 79410
(806) 725-8000

Joe Arrington Cancer Center
Isaac Tafur
4101 22nd Pl
Lubbock, TX 79410
(806) 725-8000

Lubbock, Texas

Lubbock is an American city in the state of Texas. Located in the northwestern part of the state, a region known historically as the Llano Estacado, it is the county seat of Lubbock County, and the home of Texas Tech University. Lubbock's nickname is the "Hub City" which derives from being the economic, education, and health care hub of a multi-county region commonly called the South Plains. The area is the largest contiguous cotton-growing region in the world and is heavily dependent on irrigation water drawn from the Ogallala Aquifer.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lubbock,_Texas)

Upcoming Local Events

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Lubbock, Texas
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2012-10-13

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 Lubbock

  • In case of Emergency, call 911
  • Police (919) 996-3335
  • Fire (919) 996-6115

Nearby Lubbock Hospitals *

Southwest Regional Medical Complex
1409 9th St
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806)767-9133

University Medical Center
602 Indiana Ave
Lubbock, TX 79415
(806)775-8200

Covenant Health System
3615 19th St
Lubbock, TX 79410
(806)725-1011

Covenant Children's Hospital
3610 21st St
Lubbock, TX 79410
(806)725-0030

Covenant Womens Hospital
4000 24th St
Lubbock, TX 79413
(806)725-6000

Highland Medical Center
2412 50th St
Lubbock, TX 79412
(806)788-4100

Lubbock Heart Hospital
4810 N Loop 289
Lubbock, TX 79416
(806)687-7777

Sunrise Canyon Hospital
1950 Aspen Ave
Lubbock, TX 79404
(806)740-1400

Covenant Hospital Levelland
1900 S College Ave
Levelland, TX 79336
(806)894-4963

Lynn County Hospital District
2600 Lockwood Hwy
Tahoka, TX 79373
(806)998-4533

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