Squamous cell carcinoma is a skin cancer which primarily affects middle aged or elderly individuals who have a high exposure to sun or suffer from immunosuppression. Squamous cell carcinoma lesions have a raised, pink colored lesion in the form of a papule or plaque, usually on the exposed parts of the skin. This is the second most common form of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually treated with surgery, local chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, or radiation therapy. Though initial treatment usually brings about a hundred percent cure, there is a risk of recurrence of about 40%. High risk tumors are aggressive and can metastasize to other parts of the body.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is aimed at treating the local tumor, preventing its spread to other parts of the body, and boosting the immunity of the body so that it can help the body to fight the growth of the tumor. Treatment for the local growth can be both in the forms of oral medication as well as local application of Ayurvedic herbal ointments and pastes. Herbal medicines are utilised to treat and prevent the abnormal growth of skin cells. Regular treatment for about three to six months helps to treat not only the local tumor but also removes the cancer cells from the circulation and prevents spread of the squamous cell carcinoma.
Local application of herbal ointments and pastes also act directly on the cells of squamous cell carcinoma and help in removing the growth quickly. In addition, herbal medicines which improve the body immunity are used in high doses right from the commencement of treatment, so that the chances for recurrence as well as spread of the cancer to other parts of the body are eliminated or minimized. Ayurvedic herbal treatment is therefore indicated more in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in individuals with an aggressive form of the disease or with a recurrence of the condition.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously utilised in the management and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
