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Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Center - Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls *

Prairie Lakes Cancer Center
Richard H Ruben
401 9th Ave NW
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-6800

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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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 Sioux Falls

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Sioux Falls Hospitals *

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
800 E 21st St
Sioux Falls, SD 57117
(605)322-8000

Select Specialty Hospital Sioux Falls
800 E 21st St
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605)322-3500

Sioux Falls VA Medical Center
2501 W 22nd St
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605)336-3230

Children's Care Hospital & School
2501 W 26th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605)782-2300

Sanford USD Medical Center
1305 W 18th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
(605)333-1000

Heart Hospital of South Dakota
4500 W 69th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
(605)977-7000

Dells Area Health Center
909 N Iowa St
Dell Rapids, SD 57022
(605)428-5431

Canton-Inwood Memorial Hospital
440 N Hiawatha Dr
Canton, SD 57013
(605)987-2621

Sanford Hospital Luverne
1600 N Kniss Ave
Luverne, MN 56156
(507)283-2321

Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital
801 S Greene St
Rock Rapids, IA 51246
(712)472-2591

Pioneer Memorial Hospital
315 N Washington St
Viborg, SD 57070
(605)326-5161

Hegg Memorial Health Center
1202 21st Ave
Rock Valley, IA 51247
(712)476-8000

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