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Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Center - Savannah, GA

Savannah 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

Savannah, Georgia

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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 Savannah

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Savannah Hospitals *

Memorial Health University Medical Center
4700 Waters Ave
Savannah, GA 31404
(912)350-8000

Select Specialty Hosptial of Savannah
5353 Reynolds St
Savannah, GA 31405
(912)819-7972

St Joseph's Candler Health System
5353 Reynolds St
Savannah, GA 31405
(912)819-6000

Coastal Harbor Treatment Center
1150 Cornell Ave
Savannah, GA 31406
(912)354-3911

Georgia Regional Hospital at Savannah
1915 Eisenhower Dr
Savannah, GA 31406
(912)356-2011

St Joseph's Hospital
11705 Mercy Blvd
Savannah, GA 31419
(912)819-4100

Coastal Carolina Medical Center
1000 Medical Center Dr
Hardeeville, SC 29927
(843)784-8000

Hilton Head Regional Medical Center
25 Hospital Center Blvd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843)681-6122

Effingham Hospital
459 Highway 119 S
Springfield, GA 31329
(912)754-6451

Beaufort Memorial Hospital
955 Ribaut Rd
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843)522-5200

Liberty Regional Medical Center
462 E G Miles Pkwy
Hinesville, GA 31313
(912)369-9400

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