Cancer of the larynx is also known as laryngeal cancer and is a squamous cell type of carcinoma of the voice box situated in the throat. This cancer is seen more in men, especially those who smoke and drink alcohol excessively or are exposed to asbestos or sulphuric acid. The common symptoms of laryngeal cancer include a hoarseness of voice, cough, breathlessness, and a feeling of a lump in the neck. The modern management of this condition includes the use of radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for cancer of larynx is aimed at treating the primary tumour, treating the symptoms of the condition, giving treatment to prevent its spread to other parts of the body, as well as treating the known causes for this condition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which treat uncontrolled growth of cells in general, are used for the treatment of cancer of the larynx; in addition, specific herbal medicines which act on the larynx are used in order to bring about an early response in the treatment of this tumour. Herbal medicines which act on the blood and lymph tissue are also given in order to destroy the cancer cells present in the circulation, so as to prevent a spread of the cancer in the body. If the affected individual has known metastases of the laryngeal cancer, these new growths need to be treated separately with medicines specific to the affected organs.
In combination with the above treatment, medicines also need to be given to boost the immune status of the patients affected with laryngeal cancer, in order to help the body fight against this cancer. Immunomodulation with herbal medicines helps to maintain the strength and vitality of the patient, brings about a significant improvement with treatment, and considerably reduces the treatment time. A robust immune system definitely helps in bringing about a complete remission of the cancer, provided treatment is started at the earliest and continued regularly till complete remission is obtained. Overall, most people affected with laryngeal cancer require treatment for about six to nine months in order to get significant improvement from this condition.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be utilised in the management and treatment of laryngeal cancer.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
