MOUTH CANCER AND ITS TREATMENT IN AYURVEDA

ABSTRACT

Mouth Cancer is a type of cancer where a tumor is developed in a part of the mouth.It may be on the roof of the mouth (palate), the lips or gums and on the surface of the tongue. Ayurveda explains about a healthy body. It balances Agni, tridosha (Vata,Pitta and Kapha), seven dhatus (Body tissues), mala (Excreta). In arbuda the ratios of dhatus (Body tissue) aggravate leading to imbalance in the body. The imbalance of jatharagni (main digestive fire), dhatu agni (body tissue fire) and bhutagni (Panchmahabhuta digestive power) is the reason for the disproportion (imbalance of seven dhatus). Both internal and external factors affect the agni, as well as the mind too. In arbuda the factors attack the uncontrolled development of cells and hence it may lead to the variation.

There is a very less matter present for the description and treatment of arbuda and it is mentioned in classical text. The diet plan and lifestyle were so healthy and it should be in equal relation with nature. In old times People were less tense as well as living in harmony with nature. This may be the prominent reason for less description of arbuda in classical texts. According to modern science Arbuda can be correlated with tumour.According to acharya sushruta classified disease arbuda into six types mainly vatajarbuda, pitta arbuda, kapha arbuda, raktajarbuda ,mamsaja arbuda and medojarbuda. There are various methods for the treatment of arbuda .These are Agnikarma (Application of fire) Kshar Karma (Cauterization),Surgical removal were the treatment procedures.

People are generally not aware about ayurvedic management of Mouth Cancer which is helpful in the management of cancer of the mouth and throat through herbal remedies.

INTRODUCTION

Mouth cancer is a common kind of premalignant lesions in the oropharynx are leukoplakia and erythroplakia.

LEUKOPLAKIA

• It is a white area on the tongue or inside of the mouth.
• It can often be easily scraped off without bleeding and develops in response to chronic irritation.
• Generally , only about 5% of leukoplakias are cancerous at diagnosis or will become cancerous within 10 years if not treated.

ERYTHROPLAKIA

Erythroplakia is a raised, red area, which may bleed on scraping . It is generally more severe than Leukoplakia and has a higher chance of becoming cancerous.

INCIDENCE

• It is known that cancers of the mouth and throat occur in twice as many as women.
• These cancers develop most frequently in people aged 45 years and older.

SYMPTOMS OF MOUTH CANCER

Let’s discuss the symptoms of mouth cancer:-

• Mouth ulcers are painful and it takes more time to heal within several weeks.
• Its reason is not explained ,as well as  persistent lumps in the mouth or the neck are present that do not go away.
• Its reason is not explained as well as persistent numbness,and odd feeling on the lip and tongue is present.
•  White or red patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue are present.
• Patient observes changes in speech such as lips.

INCIDENCE

• Cancers of the mouth and throat occur in twice as many men as women.
• Generally ,these cancers develop most frequently in people aged 45 years and older.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF MOUTH CANCER

Here is the following types of mouth cancer :

• Adenocarcinoma :It is a type of cancer that is present inside the salivary gland.
• Sarcoma is a type of carcinoma which develops in bone,muscle,cartilage.
• Oral malignant melanoma is present and produces skin pigment or color melanocytes.
• Lymphoma is present and is usually present in lymph glands.

WHAT CAUSES MOUTH CANCER

• Smoking or chewing tobacco is a major cause of mouth cancer.
• Drinking alcohol is also a cause of mouth cancer.
• Human papillomavirus is the virus that is a causative organism for genital warts.

TREATMENT OF MOUTH CANCER

There are Three main Treatment for Mouth cancer:

• Removal of cancerous cells with the help of surgery along with a little bit of removal  normal tissue (surrounded the cancerous cells)
• RADIOTHERAPY –  is a type of radiotherapy where beams of radiation are directed towards the cancerous cells.
• CHEMOTHERAPY – is a type of strong medicine which  is used to kill cancerous cells.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF MOUTH CANCER

Mouth cancer can lead to the following complications: Dysphagia is a  serious problem. Language therapist will assess the swallowing reflex using a reflex along with videofluoroscopy.

PREVENTION OF MOUTH CANCER

These are the following steps for the prevention of mouth cancer: Prevention is better than cure .Here the patient should understand the following preventive steps for mouth cancer.

• This  is the first step to stop smoking and chewing tobacco.
• Do not drink alcohol more than the recommended weekly guideline for alcohol.
• It is a necessary step to eat a balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables,citrus fruits or olive oils.

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ABOUT CANCER OF THE MOUTH

Many people are not aware about Ayurvedic perspective about Cancer of Mouth. Mouth Cancer occurs from Kapha Dosha.

WHAT ARE THE 6 TYPES OF ARBUDA IN MOUTH CANCER

1. Vata arbuda
2. Pitta arbuda
3. Kapha arbuda
4. Raktajarbuda
5. Mamsjaarbuda
6. Medojarbuda.

Let’s discuss about different types of Arbuda with modern correlation:

• Rasa arbuda :Epithelial Carcinoma, Melanoma,Lymphoma
• Raktarbuda-  Leukemia, Mamsaarbuda
• Medoarbuda: Leiomyosarcoma
• Astheyarbuda: Osteosarcoma
• Majja Arbuda: Multiple myeloma
• Shukra Arbuda: Testicular carcinoma
• Artavaarbuda: Ovarian tumor
• Majja Arbuda: Multiple myeloma
• Shukra Arbuda: Testicular carcinoma
• Artavaarbuda: Ovarian tumor
• Stanyaarbuda: Breast cancer

Ayurveda justifies Vata as a causative factor for tumor.To cure Tumor ,Vata dosha should be pacified first to stop the growth of Cancerous cells. “VayurVibhjyati”.It means Vayu (Vata) helps in the division of Cells so it becomes a necessary step to stop the growth of cells further. “Tejo Nampa Chati” :It refers to increased immunity (ojas) in the body. Ama (Undigested food) creates obstruction in the channels which results in swelling. It may be circular,or deep rooted.

Adhyaarbuda: It is described as two tumors on both the sides.

• Dwirarbuda :Two tumors are growing simultaneously.
• Dwandwarbuda : It means Tumors are growing one after another.

Seven Warning Signs of Arbuda

1. Wart or mole
2. Hoarseness of voice
3. Difficulty in swallowing
4. Lump in the breast
5. Change in bowel habit
6. Indigestion
7. Non- healing ulcer

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ARBUDAM

REFERENCE Sushrut nidan sthan 11/13 chapterIt is due to vitiation of vata dosha which vitiates mamsa dhatu.According to sushrut nidan sthan Arbuda (Tumor) is aggravated with vitiation of vata dosha leading to vitiation of mamsa dhatu.It is round,stable ,mild pain as well as without suppuration.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

• Vata Granthi  is variable, cutting pain, pricking and  large, black, round, non-fixed, its size may fluctuate, hard, bulging and  exude a clear, thin fluid. 
• Pitta Granthi  causes burning sensations,  which are red or yellow in color .Aggravated Pitta leads to  restlessness, spicy food and overcontrolling .
• Kapha Granthi  are large, painless,  hard tumor, pale color.  It suppurates slowly and if it is  picked it exudes white, thick,cloudy pus.
• Aggravated Kapha is caused by too much fatty foods, fast foods,  lethargy. Rakta Granthi (Blood)  is known as loss of tactile sensations.

INCURABLE CONDITION OF ARBUDA ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

REFERENCE SUSHRUTA NIDAN 11/19 and 11/20 :This occurs due to suppuration condition of Arbuda as well as which occurs on marma sthana and in srotas .Such arbuda is considered as incurable which is present on the previous existed arbuda (Ardhyaarbuda) .

WHY TUMOR IS NON SUPPURATIVE

Reference:According to SUSHRUTA NIDAN 11/ 21 Most of the arbuda are non suppurative in condition as well as it occurs with the help of accumulation of kapha and medha dosha in the body.

TREATMENT OF KAPHAJA ARBUDA

First purificatory therapy is shodhan then blood letting (Raktamokshan).The next step for puri factory therapy is a poultice prepared from drugs which eliminates the doshas by upward route(emetics)and downward route (purgative).

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

1. Ashwagandha Capsules
2. Curcumin Capsules
3. Chandraprabha Vati
4. Kanchnaar Guggul
5. Tulsi Capsules
6. Guggul Capsules

Product’s Description

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha Capsules are chiefly made from Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum). It helps in maintaining  the healthy growth of cells. Ashwagandha aids in improving coordination between the neurons and sustains healthy nervous system.

Dosage: Two capsules to be taken two times a day with warm water after meals.

2. Curcumin Capsules

It is the best  herbal combination that is given along with the combination of other  medicines in crab care packs. It maintains a healthy immune system. It helps to maintain the healthy structure of cells and tissues. These curcumin capsules are made from  the pure and standardized extract of Curcuma longa.  An active compound curcumin that is also responsible for the yellow color of turmeric is produced by curcumin tablets.

Dosage: Two capsules to be taken two times a day with warm water after meals.

3. Chandraprabha Vati

It is made  on the basis of a classical Ayurvedic formulation .  It provides an excellent result in blood purification.It  is made  using a combination of 20 ingredients.  Shilajit  (Asphaltum) and Guggula (Commiphora mukul) are the two main ingredients of Chandraprabha Vati.

Dosage: 2 tabs twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Kanchnaar Guggul

Kanchnaar Guggul is a natural supplement which is the great one to keep the cells and tissues of the body healthy.  It contains the various herbs such as  Kachnar bark (Bauhinia variegata),  Terminalia bellerica  (Emblica officinalis), Triphala (Terminalia chebula) ,Trikatu (Zingiber officinale),Tejpatra (Cinnamomum zeylanica leaves) and Guggulu (Commiphora  Solanum nigrum (Piper longum), Varun bark (Crataeva nurvala), Elaichi (Elettaria cardamom), Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica which ultimately cures the Cells growth. The main ingredients are Kachnar bark and Guggulu. 

Dosage: Two tablets  three times a day with warm water after meals.

5. Tulsi Capsules

It is a natural supplement of Tulsi Capsules.It is helpful in  the healthy functioning of the immune system. It is made with the help of pure and standardized extract of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) in it.

Dosage: Two capsules to be taken two times a day with warm water after meals.

6. Guggul Capsules

It is a herbal supplement that is the best herbal remedy for supporting healthy cell growth. It is combined with other herbal supplements to serve as a dietary supplement for maintaining overall health. It keeps the structure of cells and tissues healthy. Guggul is a gum resin obtained from the tree Commiphora mukul and is purely a natural substance. It is rich in guggulsterones.

Dosage: Two capsules to be taken two times a day with warm water after meals.

CONCLUSION

Mouth Cancer is related with the aggravation of Kapha dosha .So Vrana ropana (Wound healing),rakta vardhaka (increase of Rakta), pittahar aushadas( the drugs which can minimize pitta dosha) should be used in the treatment for Arbuda. Medicines having Kashaya rasa(Astringent), Tikta rasa (Bitter taste) and Madhura Rasa (Sweet taste) are administered in the respective order.Ushna virya drugs like Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), bhallataka(Semecarpus anacardium) are avoided.