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Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Center - Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg *

Lexington Oncology Associates
Steven A Madden
298 Commerce Dr
Newberry, SC 29108
(803) 321-3232

Carolina Cancer Specialists
Pamela R Sinclair
225 S Herlong Ave
Ste 201 STE 201
Rock Hill, SC 29732
(803) 329-9088

Spartanburg, South Carolina

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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 Spartanburg

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Spartanburg Hospitals *

Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care
389 Serpentine Dr
Spartanburg, SC 29303
(864)560-3280

Spartanburg Regional Medical Center
101 E Wood St
Spartanburg, SC 29303
(864)560-6000

Mary Black Memorial Hospital
1700 Skylyn Dr
Spartanburg, SC 29307
(864)573-3000

The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health
2700 E Phillips Rd
Greer, SC 29650
(864)235-2335

Greer Memorial Hospital
830 S Buncombe Rd
Greer, SC 29650
(864)848-8200

Upstate Carolina Medical Center
1530 N Limestone
Gaffney, SC 29340
(864)487-4271

Bon Secours St Francis Health System Eastside
125 Commonwealth Dr
Greenville, SC 29615
(864)675-4000

GHS Patewood Medical Campus
200 Patewood Dr
Greenville, SC 29615
(864)454-2600

GHS Hillcrest Hospital
729 SE Main St
Simpsonville, SC 29681
(864)967-6100

Wallace Thomson Hospital
322 W South St
Union, SC 29379
(864)427-0351

W J Barge Memorial Hospital
1700 Wade Hampton Blvd
Greenville, SC 29614
(864)242-5100

St Luke's Hospital
101 Hospital Dr
Columbus, NC 28722
(828)894-3311

Crawley Memorial Hospital
315 W College Ave
Boiling Springs, NC 28017
(704)434-9466

Bon Secours St Francis Health System Downtown
One St Francis Dr
Greenville, SC 29601
(864)255-1000

GHS Greenville Memorial Medical Campus
701 Grove Rd
Greenville, SC 29605
(864)455-7000

Regency Hospital of Greenville
One St Francis Dr
Greenville, SC 29601
(864)255-1401

Shriners Hospital For Children
950 W Faris Rd
Greenville, SC 29605
(864)271-3444

Rutherford Hospital
288 S Ridgecrest Ave
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828)286-5000

GHS North Greenville Hospital
807 N Main St
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
(864)834-5132

SpringBrook Behavioral Health System
1 Havenwood Ln
Travelers Rest, SC 29690
(864)834-8013

Laurens County Health Care System
22725 Hwy 76 E
Clinton, SC 29325
(864)833-9100

Cleveland Regional Medical Center
201 E Grover St
Shelby, NC 28150
(704)487-3000

Whitten Center Infirmary
28373 Hwy 76 E
Clinton, SC 29325
(864)833-2733

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