MedicineNet

Esophageal Cancer Center - Corpus Christi, TX

Corpus Christi Oncologist Doctors for Esophageal Cancer

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

Corpus Christi, Texas

Corpus Christi is a coastal city in the South Texas region of the U.S. state of Texas. The county seat of Nueces County, it also extends into Aransas, Kleberg, and San Patricio counties. It is the principal city of the three-county Corpus Christi Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the larger Corpus Christi-Kingsville Combined Statistical Area. The translation from Latin of the city's name is Body of Christ, given to the settlement by the Spanish, in honor of the Blessed Sacrament (Eucharist). The city has been nicknamed The Sparkling City by the Sea, particularly in literature promoting tourism. The city is home to the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and is served by the Corpus Christi International Airport.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corpus_Christi,_Texas)

Upcoming Local Events

2012-06-04
Padre Island Surf Camp
Corpus Christi, Texas
2012-06-07
Thriva Camp Page
Corpus Christi, Texas
2012-06-07
Tippi Toes Dance
Corpus Christi, Texas
2012-06-17
The Virtual Father's Day Run - Corpus Christi
Throughout Corpus Christi, Texas
2012-07-09
2012-10-21
2012-11-11

Esophageal Cancer

What is the esophagus?

The esophagus is in the chest. It's about 10 inches long.

This organ is part of the digestive tract. Food moves from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach.

The esophagus is a muscular tube. The wall of the esophagus has several layers:

  • Inner layer or lining (mucosa): The lining of the esophagus is moist so that food can pass to the stomach.
  • Submucosa: The glands in this layer make mucus. Mucus keeps the esophagus moist.
  • Muscle layer: The muscles push the food down to the stomach.
  • Outer layer: The outer layer covers the esophagus.

Cancer Cells

Cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make up tissues. Tissues make up the organs of the body.

Normal cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When normal cells grow old or get damaged, they die, and new cells take their place.

Sometimes, this process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old or damaged cells do not die as they should. The buildup of extra cells often forms a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.

Growths in the wall of the esophagus can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). The smooth inner wall may have an abnormal rough area, an area of tiny bumps, or a tumor. Benign growths are not as harmful as malignant growths:

  • Benign growths:
    • are rarely a threat to life
    • can be removed and probably won't grow back
    • don't invade the tissues around them
    • don't spread to other parts of the body
  • Malignant growths:
    • may be a threat to life sometimes
    • can be removed but can grow back
    • can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs
    • can spread to other parts of the body
    /u...

Recommended Reading Related to Esophageal Cancer

CT Scan (Computerized Tomography) »

CT scan facts

  • CT scanning adds X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views of anatomy.
  • CT scanning can identify normal and abnormal structures and be used to guide procedures.
  • CT scanning is painless.
  • Iodine-containing contrast material is sometimes used in CT scanning. Patients with a history of allergy to iodine or contrast materials should notify their physicians and radiology staff.

What is a CT scan?

Computerized (or computed) tomography, and often formerly referred to as computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, is an X-ray procedure that combines many X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. Computerized tomography is more commonly known by its abbreviated names, CT ...

Emergency Contact for Corpus Christi

  • In case of Emergency, call 911
  • Police (918) 596-9222
  • Fire (918) 596-9444

Nearby Corpus Christi Hospitals *

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi Memorial
2606 Hospital Blvd
Corpus Christi, TX 78405
(361)902-4000

Corpus Christi Specialty Hospital
1310 Third St
Corpus Christi, TX 78404
(361)888-4323

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi Shoreline
600 Elizabeth St
Corpus Christi, TX 78404
(361)881-3000

Dubuis Hospital Corpus Christi
600 Elizabeth St
Corpus Christi, TX 78404
(361)881-3223

Corpus Christi Medical Center Doctor's Regional
3315 S Alameda St
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
(361)761-1000

Driscoll Children's Hospital
3533 S Alameda St
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
(361)694-5000

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital South Corpus Christi
5950 Saratoga Blvd
Corpus Christi, TX 78414
(361)985-5000

Corpus Christi Medical Center Bay Area
7101 S Padre Island Dr
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
(361)761-1200

Corpus Christi Medical Center The Heart Hospital
7002 Williams Dr
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
(361)761-6800

Kindred Hospital Corpus Christi
6226 Saratoga Blvd
Corpus Christi, TX 78414
(361)986-1600

Padre Behavioral Hospital
6629 Wooldridge Rd
Corpus Christi, TX 78414
(361)986-9444

Corpus Christi Medical Center Northwest
13725 Northwest Blvd
Corpus Christi, TX 78410
(361)241-4243

North Bay Hospital
1711 W Wheeler Ave
Aransas Pass, TX 78336
(361)758-8585

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg
1311 General Cavazos Blvd
Kingsville, TX 78363
(361)595-1661

*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.