MedicineNet

Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Center - Warwick, RI

Warwick 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 Warwick *

University Medical Group
Ponnandai Somasundar
300 Toll Gate Rd
STE STE 203
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 737-0788

Women & Infants Hospital Ob/Gyn
Robert D Legare
101 Dudley St
Ob/Gyn
Providence, RI 02905
(401) 453-7540

Warwick, Rhode Island

Upcoming Local Events

2012-05-26
Boston's Run to Remember
Boston, Massachusetts
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Newport
Throughout Newport, Rhode Island
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - North Providence
Throughout North Providence, Rhode Island
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Pawtucket
Throughout Pawtucket, Rhode Island
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Cranston
Throughout Cranston, Rhode Island
2012-07-03
2012-07-14
2012-10-13
Amica Marathon 2012
Newport, Rhode Island

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 Warwick

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Warwick Hospitals *

Kent Hospital
455 Tollgate Rd
Warwick, RI 02886
(401)737-7000

Eleanor Slater Hospital Pastore Center
111 Howard Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401)462-3085

Southern New England Rehabilitation Center
21 Peace St
Providence, RI 02907
(401)456-3000

St Joseph Health Services
21 Peace St
Providence, RI 02907
(401)456-3000

Bradley Hospital
1011 Veterans Memorial Pkwy
Riverside, RI 02915
(401)432-1000

Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
101 Dudley St
Providence, RI 02905
(401)274-1100

Hasbro Children's Hospital
593 Eddy St
Providence, RI 02903
(401)444-4000

Rhode Island Hospital
593 Eddy St
Providence, RI 02903
(401)444-4000

Providence VA Medical Center
830 Chalkstone Ave
Providence, RI 02908
(401)273-7100

Roger Williams Medical Center
825 Chalkstone Ave
Providence, RI 02908
(401)456-2000

Butler Hospital
345 Blackstone Blvd
Providence, RI 02906
(401)455-6200

Our Lady of Fatima Hospital
200 High Service Ave
North Providence, RI 02904
(401)456-3000

The Miriam Hospital
164 Summit Ave
Providence, RI 02906
(401)793-2500

Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island
111 Brewster St
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401)729-2000

Saint Anne's Hospital
795 Middle St
Fall River, MA 02721
(508)674-5600

Newport Hospital
11 Friendship St
Newport, RI 02840
(401)846-6400

Charlton Memorial Hospital
363 Highland Ave
Fall River, MA 02720
(508)679-3131

Arbour-Fuller Hospital
200 May St
South Attleboro, MA 02703
(508)761-8500

South County Hospital
100 Kenyon Ave
Wakefield, RI 02879
(401)782-8000

Sturdy Memorial Hospital
211 Park St
Attleboro, MA 02703
(508)222-5200

Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island
116 Eddie Dowling Hwy
North Smithfield, RI 02896
(401)766-0800

Landmark Medical Center
115 Cass Ave
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401)769-4100

Taunton State Hospital
60 Hodges Ave
Taunton, MA 02780
(508)977-3000

Morton Hospital & Medical Center
88 Washington St
Taunton, MA 02780
(508)828-7000

Eleanor Slater Hospital Zambarano Unit
2090 Wallum Lake Rd
Pascoag, RI 02859
(401)567-5400

New Bedford Rehabilitation Hospital
4499 Acushnet Ave
New Bedford, MA 02745
(508)995-6900

Day Kimball Hospital
320 Pomfret St
Putnam, CT 06260
(860)928-6541

St Luke's Hospital
101 Page St
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508)997-1515

The Westerly Hospital
25 Wells St
Westerly, RI 02891
(401)596-6000

Milford Regional Medical Center
14 Prospect St
Milford, MA 01757
(508)473-1190

Hubbard Regional Hospital
340 Thompson Rd
Webster, MA 01570
(508)943-2600

Boston VA Healthcare System Brockton
940 Belmont St
Brockton, MA 02301
(508)583-4500

Kindred Specialty Hospital Stoughton
909 Sumner St
Stoughton, MA 02072
(781)297-8411

William W Backus Hospital
326 Washington St
Norwich, CT 06360
(860)889-8331

Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center
235 N Pearl St
Brockton, MA 02301
(508)427-3000

*Provider Directory Terms of Use:

The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval.

You are prohibited from using, downloading, republishing, selling, duplicating, or "scraping" for commercial or any other purpose whatsoever, the Provider Directory or any of the data listings or other information contained therein, in whole or in part, in any medium whatsoever.

The Provider Directory is provided on an "AS-IS" basis. WebMD disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, WebMD does not warrant or represent that the Provider Directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. You assume full responsibility for the communications with any Provider you contact through the Provider Directory. WebMD shall in no event be liable to you or to anyone for any decision made or action taken by you in the reliance on information provided in the Provider Directory.

The use of WebMD Provider Directory by any entity or individual to verify the credentials of Providers is prohibited. The database of Provider information which drives WebMD Provider Directory does not contain sufficient information with which to verify Provider credentials under the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) of the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee (URAC).

By using the WebMD Provider Directory, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.