MedicineNet

Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Center - Madera, CA

Madera 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

Madera, California

Upcoming Local Events

2012-05-26
1st Annual Seabee Mud Run
Lemoore, California
2012-06-02
Run For Our Future 5K
Bass Lake, California
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Fresno
Throughout Fresno, California
2012-06-30
Climb to Kaiser 2012
Clovis, California
2012-07-22
iCAN TRI
Fresno, California
2012-09-08
THE FRUIT YARD CENTURY
Modesto, California
2012-09-22
09/22/2012 Smokey Bear Run / Walk
Bass Lake, California
2012-09-23
Shaver Lake Triathlon
Shaver Lake, California
2012-10-28
2012-11-11
World Run Day 2012 Registration - Visalia
Throughout Visalia, California

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 Madera

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Madera Hospitals *

Madera Community Hospital
1250 E Almond Ave
Madera, CA 93637
(559)675-5555

Children's Hospital Central California
9300 Valley Children's Pl
Madera, CA 93636
(559)353-3000

Chowchilla District Memorial Health District
1104 Ventura Ave
Chowchilla, CA 93610
(559)665-3781

Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital
15 E Audubon Dr
Fresno, CA 93720
(559)433-8000

Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center
7300 N Fresno St
Fresno, CA 93720
(559)448-4500

Fresno Surgical Hospital
6125 N Fresno St
Fresno, CA 93710
(559)431-8000

Saint Agnes Medical Center
1303 E Herndon Ave
Fresno, CA 93720
(559)450-3000

San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital
7173 N Sharon Ave
Fresno, CA 93720
(559)436-3600

Community Behavioral Health Center
7171 N Cedar Ave
Fresno, CA 93720
(559)449-8000

VA Central California Healthcare System
2615 E Clinton Ave
Fresno, CA 93703
(559)225-6100

Community Regional Medical Center
2823 Fresno St
Fresno, CA 93721
(559)459-6000

Community Medical Center Clovis
2755 Herndon Ave
Clovis, CA 93611
(559)324-4000

Mercy Medical Center Merced
301 E 13th St
Merced, CA 95340
(209)385-7000

*Provider Directory Terms of Use:

The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval.

You are prohibited from using, downloading, republishing, selling, duplicating, or "scraping" for commercial or any other purpose whatsoever, the Provider Directory or any of the data listings or other information contained therein, in whole or in part, in any medium whatsoever.

The Provider Directory is provided on an "AS-IS" basis. WebMD disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, WebMD does not warrant or represent that the Provider Directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. You assume full responsibility for the communications with any Provider you contact through the Provider Directory. WebMD shall in no event be liable to you or to anyone for any decision made or action taken by you in the reliance on information provided in the Provider Directory.

The use of WebMD Provider Directory by any entity or individual to verify the credentials of Providers is prohibited. The database of Provider information which drives WebMD Provider Directory does not contain sufficient information with which to verify Provider credentials under the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) of the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee (URAC).

By using the WebMD Provider Directory, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.