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Esophageal Cancer Center - Savannah, GA

Savannah 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

Savannah, Georgia

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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 Savannah

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Savannah Hospitals *

Memorial Health University Medical Center
4700 Waters Ave
Savannah, GA 31404
(912)350-8000

Select Specialty Hosptial of Savannah
5353 Reynolds St
Savannah, GA 31405
(912)819-7972

St Joseph's Candler Health System
5353 Reynolds St
Savannah, GA 31405
(912)819-6000

Coastal Harbor Treatment Center
1150 Cornell Ave
Savannah, GA 31406
(912)354-3911

Georgia Regional Hospital at Savannah
1915 Eisenhower Dr
Savannah, GA 31406
(912)356-2011

St Joseph's Hospital
11705 Mercy Blvd
Savannah, GA 31419
(912)819-4100

Coastal Carolina Medical Center
1000 Medical Center Dr
Hardeeville, SC 29927
(843)784-8000

Hilton Head Regional Medical Center
25 Hospital Center Blvd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843)681-6122

Effingham Hospital
459 Highway 119 S
Springfield, GA 31329
(912)754-6451

Beaufort Memorial Hospital
955 Ribaut Rd
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843)522-5200

Liberty Regional Medical Center
462 E G Miles Pkwy
Hinesville, GA 31313
(912)369-9400

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