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Dr. Patrick Maguire, MD

Bio

Dr. Patrick Maguire completed cancer specialty training in radiation oncology at Duke University Medical Center, where he served as chief resident in 2000. He is a physician owner of Coastal Carolina Radiation Oncology. Dr. Maguire is the leader of two multi-million dollar grants from the National Cancer Institute to “Improve Cancer Outcomes for Underserved Populations” including African Americans and the poor. He is the primary author of many scientific publications about treatment for cancers of the brain, head and neck, lung, and prostate among others. Dr. Maguire’s new guidebook for the public, When Cancer Hits Home, provides information that’s easy to understand about reducing cancer risk and treatment options for the top 20 cancers.



Specialties:

Affiliation:

  • Coastal Carolina Radiation Oncology

Location:

Activity

  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    What tests help diagnose endometrial (uterine) cancer?
    If a woman presents to her gynecologist with the complaint of postmenopausal bleeding, after the doctor does a thorough physical examination, an endometrial biopsy is usually performed to confirm uterine cancer. Contrary to what many people believe, a Pap test (which is done to screen for cancer...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    What types of surgeries treat endometrial (uterine) cancer?

    The mainstay of treatment for cancer of the endometrium or uterus is surgical removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries by a gynecologic oncologist. This procedure is called a total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, (TAH/BSO). During the surgery, sterile water

    ...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    What are the risk factors for esophageal cancer?
    Patients who smoke tobacco, drink alcohol heavily, and eat or drink spicy or very hot foods or beverages put themselves at increased risk for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus. This type of cancer tends to arise in the setting of chronic irritation. The upper esophagus is...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    What increases my risk for bladder cancer?
    While the general public is frequently warned about tobacco smoking causing lung cancer, smoking dramatically increases the risk of developing many other cancers, including bladder cancer. Other risk factors for bladder cancer include chemicals such as phenacetin and the chemotherapy...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    What are the risk factors for stomach cancer?
    Patients with a history of prior gastric infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori are known to be at increased risk for a stomach cancer diagnosis. There's evidence that elimination of the infection decreases the risk of stomach cancer. Patients who've had prior major stomach s...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    What are the risk factors for esophageal cancer?
    Patients who smoke tobacco, drink alcohol heavily, and eat or drink spicy or very hot foods or beverages put themselves at increased risk for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus. This type of cancer tends to arise in the setting of chronic irritation. The upper esophagus is...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    What causes esophageal cancer?
    The upper esophagus can be thought of as an extension of the pharynx or throat. These organs have the same type of lining and are exposed to similar insults on a regular basis. Tobacco smoke, alcohol, and other chronic irritants are the source of most of these cancers, with the major...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    How is esophageal cancer diagnosed?
    If gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms persist or are severe despite medications, then referral to a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist is a good idea. Patients who have dysphagia or odynophagia for any reason should also be referred. The GI specialist may perform an esophag...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    What are the symptoms of esophageal cancer?
    The development of a tumor mass within the esophagus classically causes dysphagia (sticking sensation when swallowing) and/or odynophagia (pain when swallowing). Many patients have these symptoms when swallowing solid foods, but some may progress to have symptoms even when drinking liquids....  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    Are there alternative treatments for liver cancer?
    For patients who are unable or unwilling to undergo surgical resection, there are several alternative local treatment options. These include transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Transarterial chemoembolization i...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    Which cancers are linked to Epstein-Barr virus infection?
    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), that causes mononucleosis, is prevalent in the United States and in the world. It's well known that this virus is spread by sharing saliva, coughing, sneezing, etc. The vast majority of those infected have no major health problems as a result, and the virus remains...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    What are the side effects of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer?
    Acute side effects of radiation therapy (RT) to the head and neck region include skin reaction, sore mouth and/or throat, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing. Long-term potential side effects include dry mouth, swallowing problems, and a rare chance of focal injury to the jaw or other...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    What increases my risk for head and neck cancers?
    The mouth and throat are initially exposed to the effects of what we consume, both food and drink, and are at risk for cancer. Potent carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) like tobacco smoke and the human papilloma virus (HPV) have been found to be responsible for the vast majority of s...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    What are the risk factors of melanoma?
    The highest risk factor for development of melanoma in adults is a persistently changed or changing mole. The medical term for mole is "melanocytic nevus." However, the absolute risk of a mole transforming into melanoma is very low. It's higher in older men than in women. One population-based...  Full Post
  • Patrick Maguire, MD
    Patrick Maguire, MD answered:
    Why should teenagers avoid tanning beds?
    Most of us want our 16-year-old daughters and sons in bed alone. However, our friends across the pond in the U.K. are starting to fine minors who are in their beds alone…tanning beds that is!

    In radiation oncology, my colleagues and I tend to see “the worst of the worst” skin cancers, those that have...  Full Post