Lung cancer is a type of cancer responsible for the most cancer deaths throughout the world. Almost all different types of lung cancer have very serious associated morbidity and mortality. Most lung cancers arise from the epithelial cells lining the airways and are hence known as bronchogenic carcinoma. Lung cancer can be divided into small cell lung cancer and non small cell lung cancer. Non small cell lung cancer is further divided into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Most of these types of cancer spread very fast and can be lethal. Risk factors for this condition include long-term heavy smoking, an age over 65, lung diseases, air pollution, exposure to asbestos fibers, and a family history of this condition. The modern management of this condition includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy; however, survival rate for this disease does not improve significantly with modern treatment.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for lung cancer is aimed at treating the primary tumour, preventing the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, treating metastases, improving the quality of life of the patient, and improving overall survival. The primary lung cancer tumour is treated with a combination of Ayurvedic herbal medicines which treat uncontrolled cell growth, and also which target the lung tissue specifically. In addition, medicines which act on the blood and lymph tissue are used in order to destroy the cancer cells in the circulation. Known metastases are treated with specific medicines which act on the affected organs.
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also given boost the immune status of the body so as to help in the fight against the cancer. In addition, symptomatic treatment also needs to be given for symptoms such as breathlessness, weakness, loss of appetite, cough, and sputum with blood. Because of the lethal nature of this cancer, aggressive treatment needs to be given in order to control the tumour and improve the survival of the affected individuals. Most individuals affected with lung cancer need high dose, aggressive therapy for about 9 months to one year.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management and treatment of lung cancer.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
