Last updated: 08-Nov-2026
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Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Gastro & Cancer Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
18 years of experience in surgery of the bowel, rectum, anal canal, liver, bile ducts and pancreas.
In short
Go to the first surgical visit with a written list of questions. The most useful ones ask what the plan is and why it was chosen. Others ask what it will mean for your bowel control, and what happens if the cancer does not clear.
Bring your biopsy report and scans, and a family member if you can. Ask for the plan in plain words and in writing, so you can think it over at home.
The disease itself is explained in the anal canal cancer guide by Dr Harsh Shah. This page is only a list of questions for the surgeon.
Start by making sure you understand exactly what was found. The type of cancer and its size and spread decide everything that follows.
Most anal canal cancers are of the squamous type, and these are usually treated without an operation first. A less common type needs a different plan. You cannot judge a plan until you know which one you have.
Ask why this plan was chosen over the others, in what order the steps come, and how long each one lasts. A clear plan can be explained in a few plain sentences.
For the usual squamous type, radiotherapy and chemotherapy together are the first treatment. An operation is kept for a growth that stays or comes back. Ask where your case sits in this picture.
| Ask about | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The first treatment | Decides whether you need an operation at all, or only radiotherapy and chemotherapy |
| Side effects | Skin soreness, bowel upset and tiredness are common; know what to expect and who to call |
| Response check | When and how it will be judged whether the cancer has cleared |
| If it stays or returns | The back-up plan, and whether an operation would be advised |
| Follow-up | How often you will be seen and scanned after treatment |
Ask which operation, how it is done, and whether a stoma is likely. Dr Harsh Shah explains these steps before they are needed, so that no decision is made in a hurry.
The page on surgical treatment of anal canal cancer sets these operations out in more detail.
Ask plainly about bowel control, sexual health, fertility and work. These matter to you, and a good team will answer them without being pushed.
Write the answers down at the visit, or ask a family member to do it. Memory fails in a worried hour, and a written note lets you compare opinions later.
Dr Harsh Shah has completed super-specialty training in surgical gastroenterology and has 18 years of experience. He is registered with the Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738, and consults at Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad. His operations are laparoscopic or open. At the first visit he reviews your biopsy and scans. He then explains the plan step by step, so your questions are answered before any decision is made.
A short list of five to ten is enough. Put the ones that worry you most at the top, so they are answered even if time runs short.
Yes, if you can. A second listener remembers what you miss, and can help you make notes.
Not always. Many people are treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone. An operation is kept for a growth that stays or returns.
Yes. Carry your biopsy report and scans, and compare the plan, not only the price. The treatment has to fit the cancer first.
Call or message the clinic afterwards. Your questions do not end when the visit does.
Dr Harsh Shah — Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Dr Jivraj Mehta Marg, Vasna, Ahmedabad 380007.
Consultations, review of reports and scans, operations and follow-up. OPD Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Appointments: +91-63555-64601 · +91-63590-11009 · Hospital 079-2663 6363
Directions to the hospital · WhatsApp +91-63555-64601
Back to the main guide: Anal canal cancer with Dr Harsh Shah.
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