Anal cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that develops in the anal canal the short passage at the end of the rectum through which stool exits the body.
Common symptoms include rectal bleeding, anal pain, and sometimes a noticeable growth or lump near the anus.
Treatment typically involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This combined approach improves the chances of a cure but may also lead to more noticeable side effects.
Anal cancer forms when a genetic mutation turns normal, healthy cells into abnormal cells. Healthy cells grow and multiply at a set rate, eventually dying at a set time. Abnormal cells grow and multiply out of control, and they don’t die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can separate from an initial tumor to spread elsewhere in the body (metastasize).
Anal cancer is closely related to a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). Evidence of HPV is detected in the majority of anal cancers. HPV is thought to be the most common cause of anal cancers.
Dr. Sumit Shah, founder of Prolife Cancer Centre & Research Institute, is a distinguished Chief Consultant, Surgical Oncologist, and Robotic Surgeon. His exceptional expertise in surgical oncology is backed by his recognition as the Best Outgoing Cancer Surgeon during his super-specialty training at the Cancer Centre Welfare Home and Research Institute in Kolkata. As a leading Anal Cancer Specialist in Pune, Dr. Shah provides advanced, personalized cancer care at his state-of-the-art facility.
