Anal cancer is defined as the growth of cancerous tissues in the anal canal lining. It is very uncommon and usually results in pain and bleeding in the affected area. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most commonly employed techniques for the treatment. When the cancer is still in its early stages and is not responding to treatment, surgery is done to remove the cancerous lesion. Palliative care and immunotherapy might also be required as the cancer compromised the function of defecation. 

The cost of anal cancer treatment can be very expensive, making India a popular destination as anal cancer treatment cost in India is reasonably lower than other countries. 

An Overview of Anal Cancer

Anal cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth of cells in the anus. It is a rare type of cancer. The anus is the aperture where the gastrointestinal tract ends. It is a site where waste matter called feces is excreted from the body. The opening of the anus is connected to the rectum by the anal canal which is made up of mucosa. Most of anal cancer started from the cells of mucosa. Anal cancer is of different types.

• Squamous cell cancer - Also referred to as epidermoid cancer. They developed from squamous cells that line the inside of the anal canal. They are divided into three additional categories:

Large cell keratinizing.

Large cell non-keratinising.

Basaloid.

• Non-epidermoid cancer - They are less prevalent than squamous cell cancer and account only for 20% of anal cancer. They are further classified into:

Adenocarcinoma.

Basal cell carcinoma.

Melanoma.

Symptoms of Anal Cancer

Anal cancer may result in the following symptoms:

• Changes in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, urgent bowel movements, etc.

• Pain in the belly or pelvis.

• Unintended weight loss.

• Pain or itching near the anus.

• Bleeding of the anus.

• Lumps in the anus or nearby.

• Pain or discomfort in the anus during bowel movements.

• Fatigue or weakness.

Diagnosis of Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is usually discovered due to the signs and symptoms developed by the patient. Following tests and diagnosis will be performed to confirm the diagnosis:

• Physical examination and review of the medical history.

• Digital rectal examination.

• Colonoscopy.

• Endoscopy.

• Imaging tests such as CT scan, PET scan, MRI, Ultrasound, etc.

• Biopsy.

If you are being diagnosed with anal cancer, seek immediate treatment. It is easier to treat the cancer before it spreads.

Treatment of Anal Cancer

The treatment of anal cancer will vary depending on factors such as the location of the tumor, the severity of the cancer, the presence of other diseases such as HIV, etc. Common treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy - It is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs can be given orally or intravenously, allowing them to travel throughout the body via the bloodstream and eradicate cancer cells. It can be given after surgery or along with radiotherapy to ensure complete eradication of the cancer cells.

• Radiation therapy - A high beam of radiation energy is used to kill the cancer cells or to prevent the growth of cancer cells. It can be delivered as a main treatment or after surgery to ensure the complete elimination of cancer cells, to control advanced cancer, or to relieve the symptoms of the cancer.

Radiation can be administered internally (brachytherapy) or externally. External beam radiation therapy is the most common of the two.

• Surgery - Surgery is not the primary treatment option for anal cancer. If it is required, the location and type of the tumor will determine the type of operation procedure that will be carried out. There are two main methods for anal cancer surgery

Local resection - The tumor and a small margin of the surrounding tissue will be removed. It is typically used when the affected area is small and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes and tissues.

Abdominoperineal resection - The anus and the rectum along with some nearby lymph nodes are removed in this procedure. It is typically performed when the other treatments fail or when the cancer reoccurs after being treated.

• Palliative care - It is a special kind of healthcare to makes you feel better by assisting in reducing pain and other symptoms of cancer. It is delivered by a group of specially trained medical professionals including physicians, nurses, and other staff members. The main objective of this treatment is to enhance the quality of life.

The primary treatment for anal cancer is chemoradiotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery is not generally employed for anal cancer treatment.

Anal Cancer Treatment Cost in India

The cost of anal cancer treatment is usually extravagant in developed countries. Many foreigners choose India as a treatment destination because anal cancer treatment cost in India is much more affordable than in other countries. India has many hospitals that are equipped with the most advanced infrastructure and technologies. Also, India is home to many top oncologists renowned for their skills who are highly qualified to treat anal cancer. These are a few major reasons that make India an attractive option for a place to have anal cancer treatment.

Factors Affecting Anal Cancer Treatment Cost in India

There are many factors that contribute to the cost of anal cancer treatment in India. These features make the actual amount vary from person to person. Common factors include:

• The treatment technique.

• The stage of the cancer.

• Geographical location.

• The hospital type.

• Insurance coverage or self-paid.

• The expertise of the specialist.

• Duration of the treatment.

• Cost of diagnosis.

• General health of the patient.

• Requirements of additional care.

Conclusion

Anal cancer is easier to treat and cure before it spreads. Some people do not feel comfortable to discuss with a healthcare provider when they initially experience the symptoms, which leads to the spread of the cancer and makes it difficult to cure. You may immediately consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms.