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Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Center - Owensboro, KY

Owensboro 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 Owensboro *

Owensboro Cancer Center
Dattatraya Prajapati
1020 Breckenridge St
STE 200
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270) 688-1900

Kentuckiana Cancer Institute
Alfonso Cervera
100 E Liberty St
STE 500
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 561-8200

Owensboro, Kentucky

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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 Owensboro

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Owensboro Hospitals *

Owensboro Medical Health System
811 E Parrish Ave
Owensboro, KY 42303
(270)688-2000

Rivervalley Behavioral Health Hospital
1000 Industrial Dr
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270)689-6800

St Mary's Warrick
1116 Millis Ave
Boonville, IN 47601
(812)897-4800

Perry County Memorial Hospital
One Hospital Rd
Tell City, IN 47586
(812)547-7011

The Women's Hospital
4199 Gateway Blvd
Newburgh, IN 47630
(812)842-4200

Deaconess Cross Pointe
7200 E Indiana St
Evansville, IN 47715
(812)476-7200

HEALTHSOUTH Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital
4100 Covert Ave
Evansville, IN 47714
(812)476-9983

St Elizabeth Ann Seton Specialty Care Hospital
3700 Washington Ave
Evansville, IN 47750
(812)485-7450

St Mary's Medical Center
3700 Washington Ave
Evansville, IN 47750
(812)485-4000

Evansville State Hospital
3400 Lincoln Ave
Evansville, IN 47714
(812)469-6800

Ohio County Hospital
1211 Old Main St
Hartford, KY 42347
(270)298-7411

Methodist Hospital
1305 N Elm St
Henderson, KY 42420
(270)827-7700

Deaconess Hospital
600 Mary St
Evansville, IN 47747
(812)450-5000

Select Specialty Hospital Evansville
600 Mary St
Evansville, IN 47747
(812)450-4100

Breckinridge Memorial
1011 Old Hwy 60
Hardinsburg, KY 40143
(270)756-7000

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