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Esophageal Cancer Center - Dubuque, IA

Dubuque 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

Oncologist Doctors in Dubuque *

University of Iowa Health Care
Gerald H Clamon
200 Hawkins Dr
Internal Medicine Dept STE STE C-32 GH
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 356-1932

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Mark W Karwal
200 Hawkins Dr
STE 5977
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 353-7900

Dubuque, Iowa

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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 Dubuque

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Dubuque Hospitals *

Mercy Medical Center Dubuque
250 Mercy Dr
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563)589-8000

Finley Hospital
350 N Grandview Ave
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563)582-1881

Midwest Medical Center
1 Medical Center Dr
Galena, IL 61036
(815)777-1340

Southwest Health Center
1400 Eastside Rd
Platteville, WI 53818
(608)348-2331

Mercy Medical Center Dyersville
1111 3rd St SW
Dyersville, IA 52040
(563)875-7101

Grant Regional Health Center
507 S Monroe St
Lancaster, WI 53813
(608)723-2143

Jackson County Regional Health Center
700 W Grove St
Maquoketa, IA 52060
(563)652-2474

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital
200 Main St
Guttenberg, IA 52052
(563)252-1121

Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County
800 Clay St
Darlington, WI 53530
(608)776-4466

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