Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer usually seen in the Western population. Men are affected nearly twice as much as women and this condition is seen mostly in the elderly population. Basal cell carcinoma typically appears on the exposed part of skin and is usually slow growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Exposure to sunlight, artificial ultraviolet light, radiation, and arsenic exposure, as well as decreased immunity are factors which predispose to the occurrence of basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is usually treated with surgical removal of the tumor, which usually is successful in eradicating the disease. However, the chances for a recurrence within the next five years are nearly 50%. All patients affected with basal cell carcinoma therefore need regular and periodic screening in order to detect recurrence in a timely manner.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be utilised for the management of basal cell carcinoma in individuals where there is a recurrence of the condition, or where the carcinoma does not respond to conventional treatment. Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be utilised both orally as well as in the form of local application of herbal ointments and pastes. Oral medication is given to boost the immunity of the body as well as to treat the growth of the tumor, prevent its spread, as well as to prevent a recurrence of the condition. Ayurvedic treatment needs to be given for at least four to six months in order to completely cure this condition and significantly reduce the chances for a recurrence.
It is important to be alert for a spread of the tumor to other internal organs. Metastases need to be detected in a timely manner and treated aggressively, in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality resulting from such a situation. Overall, a majority of people affected with basal cell carcinoma can be treated very well either with conventional treatment or with Ayurvedic Herbal treatment.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
