Last updated: 08-Nov-2026
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Found a growth in the anal canal and unsure whom to trust with the plan? Meet Dr Harsh Shah, carry your reports and ask what you wish to know. · Call +91-63555-64601
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
Most cancers of the anal canal are first treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy given together, not with an operation. So the first job is a clear plan, led by a team that talks to each other.
A surgeon still matters at three points. These are the first examination and biopsy, the check of nodes and spread, and surgery if the growth stays or returns.
The disease and its treatment are explained in the anal canal cancer guide by Dr Harsh Shah. This page only looks at who should plan and guide your care.
No single doctor treats anal canal cancer alone. A radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist and a surgeon each have a part. The plan is strongest when they agree on it together.
For the common squamous type, radiotherapy with chemotherapy is the usual first step. It often removes the growth and keeps the bowel working in the normal way. Your surgeon helps by confirming the diagnosis, mapping how far the disease has gone and standing ready if more is needed.
| Member of the team | Main role |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | Examination, biopsy, nodes in the groin, and surgery if the growth stays or returns |
| Radiation oncologist | Plans and gives the radiotherapy |
| Medical oncologist | Chooses and gives the chemotherapy |
| Radiologist and pathologist | Read the scans and the biopsy slides |
| Stoma nurse and dietitian | Teach stoma care and help with food and skin care |
A careful first examination decides a great deal. It tells the team the size of the growth. It shows how close it lies to the muscle that holds stool. It also shows whether nodes are involved.
Many growths first labelled as piles or a fissure are found to be something else only when a biopsy is taken. If a sore or lump in the anal area does not settle, ask for a biopsy.
Surgery has a clear but limited place. It is used when a growth remains after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, when it comes back later, or for certain rarer types.
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. Planning a major pelvic operation, and talking through a stoma with you, is part of that work.
If you want another view before you decide, the page on surgical treatment of anal canal cancer explains the operations in more detail.
Good questions are plain. They cover the plan and who is responsible for each step. They also cover what happens if the first treatment does not clear the growth.
Ask the same questions to every doctor you see. A good team gives the same core answer, even if the words differ.
The weeks after radiotherapy are a time of watching. A growth may take a few months to shrink fully, so scans and examinations are repeated before anyone calls the result.
Many people worry about a rushed decision on surgery. A surgeon who sees you at each visit can tell a growth that is still shrinking from one that needs action. Skin soreness, bowel changes and tiredness are also looked at together, so they are dealt with early.
No. Many people are treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone. An operation is kept for growths that stay or return.
No. A stoma is needed only if the anus and lower rectum must be removed. In a few cases it rests the bowel. Your team will tell you before any decision.
You can start with either. What matters is that the biopsy, scans and plan are reviewed together before treatment begins.
Yes, at times. Bleeding or a lump that persists should be examined and biopsied, and not treated as piles without a check.
Yes. Many families do. Radiotherapy is often given close to home, while the planning and review visits are done with the surgeon.
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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