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Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Center - Monroe, LA

Monroe 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

Monroe, Louisiana

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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 Monroe

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Monroe Hospitals *

P & S Surgical Hospital
312 Grammont St
Monroe, LA 71201
(318)388-4040

St Francis Medical Center
309 Jackson St
Monroe, LA 71201
(318)327-4000

St Francis Specialty Hospital
309 Jackson St
Monroe, LA 71201
(318)327-4608

Glenwood Regional Medical Center
503 McMillan Rd
West Monroe, LA 71291
(318)329-4200

Monroe Surgical Hospital
2408 Broadmoor Blvd
Monroe, LA 71201
(318)410-0002

Louisiana Extended Care Hospital West Monroe
503 McMillan Rd
West Monroe, LA 71291
(318)329-4300

Golden Age Senior Care Hospital
4310 S Grand St
Monroe, LA 71202
(318)651-0920

Premier Rehabilitation Hospital
4310 S Grand St
Monroe, LA 71202
(318)812-1000

EA Conway Medical Center
4864 Jackson St
Monroe, LA 71202
(318)330-7000

Cornerstone Hospital of West Monroe
6198 Cypress St
West Monroe, LA 71291
(318)396-5600

St Francis North Hospital
3421 Medical Park Dr
Monroe, LA 71203
(318)388-1946

St Patrick's Psychiatric Hospital
3421 Medical Park Dr
Monroe, LA 71203
(318)327-4686

Sterlington Rehabilitation Hospital
111 Highway 2
Sterlington, LA 71280
(318)665-9950

Bastrop Rehabilitation Hospital
323 W Walnut St
Bastrop, LA 71220
(318)556-1191

Morehouse General Hospital
323 W Walnut St
Bastrop, LA 71220
(318)283-3600

Richardson Medical Center
254 Highway 3048
Rayville, LA 71269
(318)728-4181

Union General Hospital
901 James Ave
Farmerville, LA 71241
(318)368-9751

Citizens Medical Center
7939 US Highway 165 S
Columbia, LA 71418
(318)649-6106

Caldwell Memorial Hospital
411 Main St
Columbia, LA 71418
(318)649-6111

Northern Louisiana Medical Center
401 E Vaughn Ave
Ruston, LA 71270
(318)254-2100

HEALTHSOUTH Specialty Hospital North Louisiana
1401 Ezell St
Ruston, LA 71270
(318)251-3126

Franklin Medical Center
2106 Loop Rd
Winnsboro, LA 71295
(318)435-9411

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