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Anal Cancer Treatment in Lucknow
Anus is a significant part of the large intestine and plays a crucial role in how waste leaves the body. It is made of different types of cells that can begin to grow abnormally and develop into a mass called a tumour, leading to Anal Cancer. Top oncologist specialists at ApolloMedics Super Speciality Hospital team up with other healthcare professionals to discuss the best possible approach for anal cancer treatment in Lucknow.
What is Anal Cancer?
Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops inside the lining of the anal canal or around the anus. It is mostly linked to an infection with high-risk strains of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus). It may cause bleeding from the anus or rectum, or it may form a lump near the anus.
The main factors that may possibly contribute to the condition are genetics, age, and health history, among many other things. This cancer is rare, but can be difficult to treat as it spreads to the liver and lungs, which makes it a significant health concern.
What are the Types of Anal Cancer?
Anal cancers are usually classified by the specific cells where the cancer begins. There are two types of anal cancer:
| Types | Description |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma | This is the most common form of anal cancer, which develops in the thin squamous cells of the anal canal lining. |
| Adenocarcinoma | This is less common and starts in the mucus-producing glands beneath the lining of the anal canal or near the rectum. |
| Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) | This is a rare form of anal cancer, which develops in the perianal skin (the skin that surrounds the immediate outside of the anus). |
| Melanoma | This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that occurs in the cells that produce pigment (melanocytes) of the perianal skin or the anal canal.
Note: Melanoma that starts in the mucous membrane is called mucosal melanoma. |
| Neuroendocrine Carcinoma | This is a highly aggressive and rare tumour that occurs from neuroendocrine cells in the anal canal. This cancer can grow and spread rapidly. |
Additional Note: Other rare types of anal cancer may include gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), neuroendocrine tumours, and lymphomas.
What are the Symptoms of Anal Cancer?
The anal cancer symptoms are classified into two stages:
Stages of Symptoms | Description | Symptoms |
| Early Stage Symptoms | During the initial stage, the symptoms may be mild, and sometimes they can go unnoticed. Symptoms of anal cancer are quite similar to haemorrhoids or minor infections. |
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| Late Stage Symptoms | As the cancer progresses, it can cause severe discomfort and may become more noticeable. |
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Note: Not all symptoms mean anal cancer. It’s good to talk to a specialist to rule out the condition.
What are the Causes of Anal Cancer?
The cause of anal cancer is not yet known. However, it is most likely linked to the strain of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is very common and may not exhibit any symptoms. This is why most people who have it are completely unaware until the condition worsens over time.
Note: It is important to understand that not everyone with HPV has anal cancer, and not everyone with anal cancer has HPV.
Risk Factors
HPV virus can be responsible for anal cancer, but there might be other factors in play, too, that may increase the chance of developing anal cancer.
Risk Factors | Descriptions |
| Immunocompromised |
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| Sexual Activity |
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| Smoking | Tobacco is a cancer-causing chemical that reduces the body’s immune system, and the body becomes incapable of fighting off the carcinogens. |
| Age | In older adults, anal cancer is most prevalent in people above the age of 50 years. As the body gets older, it gets weaker; as a result, it loses its capability to fight infections. But, due to the lifestyle of people, anal cancer can also occur in middle-aged people. |
| Genetics | Genetics is considered a minor risk factor, as anal cancer is usually not inherited. However, if the family has a history of HPV-related cancers, then it slightly increases the chance. |
| Other Genital Cancers | People with vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, testicular cancer, or cervical cancer are also at high risk of developing the condition. |
How is Anal Cancer Diagnosed?
Before suggesting any tests, doctors at Apollo Hospital, Lucknow, talk to the patients about the condition. They may ask about the symptoms and their severity; based on this, they may advise doing the following anal cancer screening tests:
Diagnostic Tests | Description |
| Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) | The doctor carefully inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to assess the prostate, rectum, and surrounding structures for abnormalities |
| Anoscopy or Protoscopy | It involves using a small tube with a camera that the doctors insert inside the anal canal to examine the growth of the cancer. It allows the doctors to identify the location, size, and appearance of the tumour. |
| Biopsy | A small sample of the cancer tissue is taken and tested to check if the cells are cancerous. It also helps identify which type of anal cancer a person has, in addition to determining the tumour grade. |
| Imaging Scans | MRI, CT Scans, or PET Scans can be done to check and monitor how far the cancer cells have spread. |
Cancer Staging
Doctors use cancer staging systems to plan the treatment and determine its effectiveness. As per the National Cancer Institute, there are four stages of anal cancer:
Stages of Anal Cancer | Substages | Descriptions |
| Stage 0 | NA | Abnormal cells are found only in the top layer of the anal lining and have not invaded deep into the tissue. At this stage, the cancer is hardly noticeable. |
| Stage I | NA | At this stage, the tumour is about 2 cm or smaller (about the size of a peanut). The tumour does not spread to other parts of the body. |
| Stage II | Stage IIA | The tumour becomes a bit bigger than 2 cm up to 5cm with no spread. |
Stage IIB | The tumour grows up to 5 cm and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not to distant parts. | |
| Stage III | Stage IIIA | The tumour size becomes larger than 5 cm, and cancer has already spread to lymph nodes near the rectum. |
Stage IIIB | The size may not be determined, as it can grow to any size and might start invading nearby organs, such as the urethra, vagina, or bladder. | |
Stage IIIC | The cancer can be of any size and might be growing into nearby organs while also spreading to the lymph nodes near the rectum. | |
| Stage IV | - | The cancer can be of any size and may have spread to distant organs, such as the liver, lungs. |
What Treatment Do Doctors at Apollomedics Suggest?
Anal cancer treatment at ApolloMedics Super Speciality Hospital Lucknow is planned depending on the type and stage of the anal cancer. It may involve the following plan:
Treatment | Description |
| Chemotherapy | Chemotherapy involves using drugs (which can be given orally or the doctors might inject directly into the body) to kill the cancerous cells. |
| Radiation Therapy | Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams that are used directly on the tumour to kill cancer cells. |
| Chemoradiation | Most cases may require a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy uses specific medications to kill the cancer cells, while radiation therapy blasts the tumour with powerful beams. This is considered the best option, as it often eliminates the need for surgery. |
| Targeted Therapy | Targeted therapy uses medications that directly target specific molecules that assist in the growth of the cancer. Though the therapy is still under research, it may be used in advanced cases. |
| Immunotherapy | Immunotherapy involves using checkpoint inhibitors to help the immune system effectively recognise and attack cancer cells. This is mostly when the cancer comes back or if the cancer is of an advanced stage. |
| Surgery | Surgery is usually not considered the first-line treatment. It may be recommended when:
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Recovery and Follow-Up Post Anal Cancer Treatment
Post-treatment recovery and follow-up care for anal cancer at Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow involves a multidisciplinary protocol. Our post-treatment care involves managing late side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or surgery. Our care team monitors for complications and recurrence through physical exams and imaging.
The recovery timeline may be different for all, and it also depends on the type of treatment:
Treatment Options | Timeline | Description |
| Chemoradiation Therapy | 2-3 Months |
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3-6 Months |
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| Surgery Recovery | 1-2 Weeks |
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3-6 Weeks |
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6-8 Weeks |
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Long Term Monitoring and Follow-Up
Doctors may ask the patient to visit frequently for checkups.
- Years 1 to 2: Physical exams, digital rectal exams, and anoscopies every 3-6 months to check for the recurrence or any complications that may arise.
- Years 3 to 5: Checkups and imaging spaced out every 6 to 12 months.
- After 5 Years: Annual wellness evaluations and monitoring for late-onset side effects.
Why Choose Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital Lucknow?
Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital Lucknow, offers access to specialised oncology care backed by advanced medical technology, expert tumour boards, and comprehensive clinical support.
Expert Care Team and Approach
- A team of highly experienced medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical specialists, and other team members decides the treatment approach.
- Treatments focus on non-surgical chemoradiation as a primary treatment to preserve function whenever possible.
- Cases are reviewed by a team of doctors
Technology and Treatment Modalities
- IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) and proton beam therapy
- State-of-the-art robotic systems
- Chemotherapy and targeted immunotherapy
Advanced Diagnostics
- Pelvic MRI for local staging
- High-frequency endoanal ultrasound
- Targeted biopsies via proctoscopy
- High-resolution MRI, PET CT-Scans, physical and digital examination
Care and Rehabilitation
- Scar and pain management
- Mobility support
- Dietary and bowel management
- Recurrence monitoring
- Counselling services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Are there any side effects of anal cancer treatment?
Ans. Yes. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, etc., can have some side effects, such as skin irritation, fatigue, bowel changes, etc. If the condition persists, it is important to see a doctor.
Q2. Is it possible for anal cancer to come back after treatment?
Ans. It is likely for anal cancer to come back post-treatment. This is known as recurrence, as it can return to the same area or spread to other parts of the body.
Q3. How long does chemoradiation for anal cancer take?
Ans. Chemoradiation for anal cancer might take 5-6 weeks to complete.
Q4. What is the survival rate of anal cancer?
Ans. A person with anal cancer might have an 83.3% chance of living another 5 years compared to someone who does not have anal cancer.
Q5. How long does anal cancer recovery take?
Ans. Recovery from anal cancer takes time. The side effects of chemoradiation may last from 2-6 months. To feel completely okay, it might take 6-12 months, depending on the patient's condition.
Q6. What are the benefits of using proton therapy for anal cancer?
Ans. Proton therapy is given along with chemotherapy to reduce the spread to other organs and kill the cancerous cells completely.
Q7. How do I book an appointment?
Ans. At Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow, you can book an appointment for anal cancer through our official booking page, by phone, or using the Apollo 24/7 mobile app.
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