Your Care at Winship
Your Winship Cancer Institute healthcare team is available to help you find the best treatment plan for anal cancer.
Using a multidisciplinary approach, our experts draw on Emory's vast resources in surgical oncology, radiation therapy and medical oncology, to provide the newest, most effective practices and treatments for anal cancer.
Our teams include surgical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists and advanced practice nurses with expertise in anal cancer. As specialists, our teams develop groundbreaking surgeries and treatments that produce better outcomes and are adopted by other leading cancer centers.
The benefits of our multidisciplinary and highly experienced teams include:
- Access to doctors and surgeons who rank among the top cancer experts in the world.
- Weekly review of patient cases by the full team of experts.
- Coordinated scheduling for appointments among various specialties.
- Access to a nurse navigator to assist you throughout the treatment process.
- Access to support groups and education classes for you and your caregivers.
- Availability of new treatment options within our clinical trials program.
Request an Appointment
If you have been diagnosed with anal cancer, we are ready to help you. Call us at (404) 778-0032 to make an appointment. Winship experts are available for a second opinion.
We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Learn what to expect on your first visit.
Diagnosing Your Cancer
Anal cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissue of the anus.
The skin around the outside of the anus is called the perianal area. Tumors in this area are skin tumors, not anal cancer.
Early detection of anal cancer is important for good outcomes. The following tests and procedures may be used to detect anal cancer:
- Physical exam and health history
- Digital rectal exam
- Anoscopy: an exam of the anus and lower rectum using a short, lighted tube called an anoscope.
- Proctoscopy: an exam of the anus and lower rectum using a short, lighted tube called an proctoscope.
- Endo-anal or endorectal ultrasound: an ultrasound probe is inserted into the anus or rectum and used to bounce high-energy sound waves off internal tissues or organs. The echoes form a sonogram.
- Biopsy: removal of cells or tissues to check for signs of cancer.
Learn About Cancer
For reliable, in-depth information about cancer symptoms, staging and diagnosis, visit CancerQuest, an educational and outreach program at Emory University.
Your Treatment Options
Your individualized treatment plan will take into account the stage of your disease, your overall health, the side effects of the treatment, and relieving anal cancer symptoms.
One or more of the following types of treatment will be used.
Surgery: There are two types of surgery used to treat anal cancer: local resection and abdominoperineal resection.
- Local resection is the removal of the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue. This procedure may allow patients to retain control of their bowels and is used if the cancer is small and has not spread.
- Abdominoperineal resection is used for more advanced anal cancers and is the removal of the anus, the rectum and part of the colon. This type of surgery requires the patient to use a colostomy bag because they can no longer control their bowels. Lymph nodes may also be removed during this procedure.
Radiation: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Physicians may use radiation by itself to treat anal tumors or to shrink tumors before surgery. Radiation therapy is given based on the stage of the tumor.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery to treat cancer.
Clinical Trials
In addition to standard therapy, participating in clinical trials may be an option in certain cases. Clinical trials provide patients access to new medications that are being developed to treat anal cancer. Consider talking with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial at Winship.
Supportive Oncology Care
In addition to delivering the highest quality medical care, we recognize the importance of the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a cancer diagnosis and of dealing with treatment. Our supportive oncology team addresses these issues in a timely manner with additional support from counselors, nurse navigators, dietitians and social service professionals.Your Treatment Team
- Physicians
- Physician Diagnosticians
- Nurse Navigators
- Adv Practice
- Nurses
- Support Services
- Clinical Trials
- All
Karen Anderson MDiv
- Spiritual Health Provider

Karen Anderson MDiv
- Rev. Anderson provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
- Chaplain and Spiritual Health Fellow, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- karen.anderson@emory.edu
- (470) 808-2581
Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C
- Social Worker

Rebecca Arnold LCSW, OSW-C
- Ms. Arnold works with patients of all cancer types providing resource referrals and counseling services.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- rebecca.arnold@emoryhealthcare.org
- (678) 843-7021
Wendy Baer MD
- Psychiatric Oncologist

Wendy Baer MD
- Dr. Baer helps patients and their families deal with the stress of receiving a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
- Director of Psychiatric Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Glen Charles Balch MD, MBA, FACS
- Colorectal Surgeon

Glen Charles Balch MD, MBA, FACS
- Dr. Balch specializes in the surgical management of colon and rectal malignancies.
- Professor and Chief, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-2656
Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Tiffany Barrett MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Ms. Barrett leads the nutritional services team at all Winship locations providing personalized nutrition advice to patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.
- Manager of Winship Dietitians, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- tiffany.barrett@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5646
Anna Bausum ND
- Integrative Oncology Specialist

Anna Bausum ND
- Dr. Bausum supports patients with cancer by incorporating a variety of integrative medicine tools alongside patients' conventional oncology care regimens.
- Integrative Oncology Specialist, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- integrativeoncology@emory.edu
- (404) 778-0600
Gehan R. Botrus MD, PhD
- Medical Oncologist

Gehan R. Botrus MD, PhD
- Dr. Botrus specializes in treating patients with gastrointestinal malignancies and is an active investigator in early drug development clinical trials.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0032
Laura Brachman MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

Laura Brachman MD
- Dr. Brachman provides patients with cancer with relief from their symptoms and helps improve their quality of life throughout their journey.
- Assistant Medical Director, Outpatient Palliative and Supportive Care, Emory Healthcare
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Russell Brown LCSW
- Social Worker

Russell Brown LCSW
- Mr. Brown works with gastrointestinal, genitourinary, breast cancer, brain cancer, gynecological, aerodigestive, and sarcoma patients at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Social Worker, Medical Oncology, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- russell.h.brown@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-5191
Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Valerie Buckley MS, CSO, RD, LD
- A Registered Dietitian, Ms. Buckley provides cancer patients who are undergoing treatment at Winship Cancer Institute with personalized nutrition advice.
- Clinical Dietitian, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- valeriya.buckley@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0296
Ellen M. Caparosa MD
- Colorectal Surgeon

Ellen M. Caparosa MD
- Dr. Caparosa specializes in the surgical management of colon and rectal malignancies.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-2656
Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC
- Nurse Practitioner

Catherine Caprara Braga MSN, AGACNP-BC
- Ms. Caprara serves as lead nurse practitioner and co-investigator on early drug development trials in the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit at Winship.
- Lead Nurse Practitioner, Phase I Unit, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Hannah H. Collins NP
- Nurse Practitioner

Hannah H. Collins NP
- Ms. Collins is a Nurse Practitioner for the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Phase I Clinical Trials Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Kimberly A. Curseen MD
- Supportive Oncologist

Kimberly A. Curseen MD
- Board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Dr. Curseen is the primary provider for the Supportive Oncology Clinic at Winship.
- Director, Palliative Medicine Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Sunil W. Dutta MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Sunil W. Dutta MD
- Dr. Dutta specializes in the treatment of breast cancer and gastrointestinal cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-2391
Frank Eady LMSW
- Social Worker

Frank Eady LMSW
- Mr. Eady assists genitourinary, gastrointestinal and surgical oncology patients treated at Winship.
- Social Worker, GI/GU Cancer and Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- frank.eady@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5976
Heather G. Gatcombe MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Heather G. Gatcombe MD
- Dr. Gatcombe practices general radiation oncology at Emory Decatur Hospital and Emory Hillandale Hospital.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 501-6925
Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
- Nurse Practitioner

Elise Hitron MSN, FNP-C
- Ms. Hitron is a Nurse Practitioner in the Phase I Clinical Trial Unit at Winship Cancer Institute.
- Phase I Clinical Trials Nurse Practitioner, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Jennifer L. Jones MD
- Colorectal Surgeon

Jennifer L. Jones MD
- Dr. Jones specializes in complex laparoscopic and robotic surgery for the treatment of cancer of the colon and rectum, and hereditary colorectal cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-2656
April Jones MDiv
- Spiritual Health Provider

April Jones MDiv
- Rev. Jones provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers at Emory University Hospital Midtown.
- Chaplain and Spiritual Health Fellow, Emory University Hospital Midtown
- april.dawn.jones@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2767
Sandra J. Karem LCSW
- Social Worker

Sandra J. Karem LCSW
- Ms. Karem works at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital with patients of all cancer types providing resource referrals and counseling services.
- Social Worker, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- sandra.karem@emoryhealthcare.org
- (678) 843-7826
Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN
- Nutrition Advisor

Rachel Keller MS, RD, CSO, LDN
- Ms. Keller offers advice and counseling to help patients optimize their health and nutrition from diagnosis to survivorship.
- Registered Dietitian, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital
- rachel.keller@emoryhealthcare.org
- (678) 843-7115
Ashish Khanna MD
- Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist

Ashish Khanna MD
- Dr. Khanna focuses on the identification and treatment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and other issues resulting from cancer and related treatments.
- Director of Cancer Rehabilitation, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Susan K. Kunihiro MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

Susan K. Kunihiro MD
- Dr. Kunihiro works to improve quality of life for patients with cancer, no matter the stage of illness - from initial diagnosis, during treatment, in remission or closer to end of life.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Meredith Maxwell MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

Meredith Maxwell MD
- Dr. Maxwell collaborates with the multidisciplinary care team at Winship to help patients address symptoms and improve their quality of life during their journey with cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Mark McDonald MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Mark McDonald MD
- Dr. McDonald specializes in the treatment of head and neck, gastrointestinal and lung cancers, skull base tumors, and tumors of the brain and spine, as well as proton therapy.
- Medical Director, Emory Proton Therapy Center
- proton-referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- 1 (833) 3PROTON (377-6866)
Sonal Oza MD
- Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist

Sonal Oza MD
- Dr. Oza is a board-certified physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) with fellowship training in cancer rehabilitation medicine.
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Michelle Park MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

Michelle Park MD
- Dr. Park helps improve quality of life for patients with cancer at any stage of their illness by addressing symptoms and collaborating with the multidisciplinary care team at Winship.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Pretesh Patel MD
- Radiation Oncologist

Pretesh Patel MD
- Dr. Patel specializes in the treatment of genitourinary and gastrointestinal malignancies as well as the use of high-dose rate brachytherapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy and proton therapy.
- Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3473
Terrah Paul Olson MD
- Colorectal Surgeon

Terrah Paul Olson MD
- Dr. Paul Olson specializes in laparoscopic surgery and treats patients with colorectal cancer, anal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases. She also performs colorectal cancer screenings.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-8394
Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv
- Spiritual Health Provider

Caroline Peacock DMin, LCSW, MDiv
- Dr. Peacock leads the Winship Spiritual Health Team in the work of offering compassionate, inclusive, supportive, evidence based care to patients, families and staff.
- Director of Spiritual Health, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- caroline.peacock@emory.edu
- (404) 778-8029
Natalie Brooke Peeples MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

Natalie Brooke Peeples MD
- A palliative care specialist, Dr. Peeples, provides care and treatments to improve quality of life for patients in any stage of their cancer journey.
- Assistant Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD
- Pain Management Specialist

M. Yawar J. Qadri MD, PhD
- A cancer pain management expert, Dr. Qadri collaborates with oncologists at Winship to treat patients with cancer suffering from chronic pain symptoms.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
- yawar.qadri@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2410
Margaret A. Riso MD
- Pain Management Specialist

Margaret A. Riso MD
- Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
- margaret.ann.riso@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2410
Brian S. Robinson MD, PhD
- Pathologist

Brian S. Robinson MD, PhD
- A gastrointestinal pathologist, Dr. Robinson's clinical focus is in gastrointestinal and hepatic pathology.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- bsrobin@emory.edu
- 404-727-0988
Seth A. Rosen MD
- Colorectal Surgeon

Seth A. Rosen MD
- Specializing in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Rosen treats colorectal patients at Emory Johns Creek Hospital.
- Associate Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-7283
Virginia O. Shaffer MD
- Colorectal Surgeon

Virginia O. Shaffer MD
- Dr. Shaffer is a surgeon based at Emory University Hospital treating patients with colorectal cancer, anal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases, and specializing in laparoscopy surgery.
- Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-3648
Vinita Singh MD, MS
- Pain Management Specialist

Vinita Singh MD, MS
- Dr. Singh collaborates with oncologists to provide state-of-the-art therapies to cancer patients suffering from pain symptoms.
- Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
- vinita.singh@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2410
Jesse A. Soodalter MD
- Palliative Care Specialist

Jesse A. Soodalter MD
- A palliative care specialist, Dr. Soodalter provides specialized outpatient medical care with a focus on relief from the symptoms and stress of cancer and other illnesses.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Charles A. Staley MD
- Surgical Oncologist

Charles A. Staley MD
- A leading expert in the care of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies, Dr. Staley leads the surgical oncology team at Winship.
- Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-0210
Andrea Stephens AGNP-C
- Nurse Practitioner

Andrea Stephens AGNP-C
- Nurse Practitioner, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Nutrition Advisor

Alison Sturgill MS, RD, CSO, LD
- Ms. Sturgill works with patients receiving proton therapy to optimize their health and nutrition during and after treatment.
- Registered Dietitian, Emory Proton Therapy Center
- alison.sturgill@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-5646
Patrick Sullivan MD, FACS
- Colorectal Surgeon

Patrick Sullivan MD, FACS
- Dr. Sullivan specializes in diseases of the colon and rectum with expertise in the surgical management of primary and recurrent malignancy of the colon and rectum, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, and anorectal disorders.
- Associate Professor, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 686-2163
Dallas Thompson MDiv
- Spiritual Health Provider

Dallas Thompson MDiv
- Rev. Thompson provides spiritual and emotional support for oncology patients and their caregivers at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory Johns Creek Hospital.
- Chaplain and Spiritual Health Fellow, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory Johns Creek Hospital
- dallas.anne.thompson@emory.edu
- (470) 487-2457
Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC
- Spiritual Health Provider

Raymond Walker III MDiv, BCC, CCSH-RC
- Raymond provides administrative leadership to the Winship Spiritual Health Team, supporting and assisting in their work of compassionate and inclusive care of patients, staff, and their loved ones.
- Process Improvement Specialist III, Senior Spiritual Health Clinician, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- raymond.walker@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Melissa Woodstock FNP-C, MSN
- Nurse Practitioner

Melissa Woodstock FNP-C, MSN
- Ms. Woodstock is a nurse practitioner serving the inpatient population with gastrointestinal cancers and outpatient population in medical oncology at Winship.
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Department of Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-1900
Nan Xiang MD
- Pain Management Specialist

Nan Xiang MD
- Dr. Xiang specializes in managing chronic pain symptoms for patients with cancer.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine
- nan.xiang@emory.edu
- (404) 686-2410
Ali J. Zarrabi MD
- Palliative Oncologist

Ali J. Zarrabi MD
- Dr. Zarrabi provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care for patients living with serious illness.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
- (404) 778-6448
Wei Zheng MD, PhD
- Pathologist

Wei Zheng MD, PhD
- Dr. Zheng specializes in gastrointestinal and hepatic pathology.
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
- wei.zheng@emory.edu
- (404) 778-1900