Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer which develops from the cells producing the skin pigment known as melanin. The manifestation of this growth is in the form of a change in an existing mole or as a new, unusual looking growth on the skin. The risk factors for this condition include excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation, a history of sunburn, fair skin, irregular shaped or over-sized moles, a family history of this condition, a weakened immune system, exposure to carcinogens, and the presence of genetic pigmentation disorders. The modern management for melanoma includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for melanoma involves both local treatment as well as oral medication. Depending upon the stage of the tumour and its invasiveness, different local applications are used which are usually in the form of medicated ointments and pastes. The aim of these ointments can be either to reduce inflammation and infection, or to dissolve the external tumour. For oral medication, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are used in high doses in order to treat the cancer aggressively. The aim of oral medication is to treat both the local tumour as well as to prevent its spread to other parts of the body, and also kill the cancer cells present in the blood circulation as well as in the lymph glands and lymphatic fluid.
If the patient affected with melanoma presents with an advanced condition, there may be tumours present in other parts of the body. These need to be treated according to the system or organ affected. Even individuals who have opted for a surgical removal of the tumour can be given Ayurvedic medicines in order to prevent the spread of the cancer cells in the body, or to prevent a recurrence of the condition. Depending upon the severity of the condition, most individuals affected with melanoma require treatment for about 4 to 8 months.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously utilised in the management and treatment of melanoma.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
