Treatment Of Vocal Cord Cancer Through Ayurveda

Cancer is becoming a common disease nowadays. This is all due to our lifestyle changes, pollution, lack of knowledge, eating a lot of junked food, etc. In Ayurveda, it is termed as "Arbuda" but in ancient times, it is a rare disease as compared with the present time. Now it is considered as an epidemic. But in Ayurveda, we have numerous herbs and bhasmas that give good results in all types of cancers. So today we will discuss vocal cord cancer in detail with its proper treatment in Ayurveda.

In this shloka according to Acharya Shushruta "Shopha roga" is considered as "Arbuda" (cancer or tumor). The cancer develops from an imbalance of vata, pitta, kapha doshas and excessive growth of mamsa and meda dhatus.

This is shloka of "Acharya Charaka" sutra sathana chapter 18. According to this shloka "Shotha" developed at different sites from various diseases like adhimansa, Arbuda, etc.

WHAT IS VOCAL CORD?

Vocal cord is one of the two small bands of muscles within the larynx. When these muscles vibrate, they produce voice in the throat.

WHAT IS VOCAL CORD CANCER?

The cancer of the vocal cord is also known as Larynx cancer. It is a rare cancer where malignant cells grow in the voice box or larynx. The larynx is composed of three parts:

1. The Glottis: It is the middle part of the larynx that contains the vocal cords.
2. The Supraglottis: The tissue above the glottis.
3. The Subglottis: These are the tissues below the glottis that connects to the trachea that takes air in the lungs.

Cancer can develop in any part of the larynx, but usually begins in vocal cord. In vocal cord cancer flat, scale-like squamous cells are develop in the inner walls of the larynx. This cancer may often reach the lymph nodes in the neck. These cancerous cells spread to the back of the tongue, some sections of the throat, neck, lungs, and other parts of the body.

NOW WE ARE DISCUSSING THE STAGES OF VOCAL CORD CANCER

Stage 0

When abnormal cells are found in the lining of the larynx, this is known as stage 0. These may become cancer and spread into normal tissues, then it is called as stage 0 carcinoma in situ.

Stage I

It depends on where the cancer began in the larynx:-

1. Supraglottis: It is cancerous in Supraglottis and in this vocal cord can move normally.
2. Glottis: Cancer cells are produced in one or both vocal cords, but the vocal cords can move normally.
3. Subglottis: Cancer is produced in the Subglottis only.

Stage II

It depends on where cancer cells began to develop in the larynx:

1. Supraglottis: Cancer cells develop in the Supraglottis or surrounding tissues.
2. Glottis: Cancer cells develop in the Supraglottis, Subglottis or the vocal cords are not able to move properly.
3. Subglottis: Cancer cells spread to the one or both vocal cords that may not move normally.

Stage III

In this condition, cancer is in the larynx only and vocal cords are not able to move as it spreads to both vocal cords. These cancer cells have spread to one lymph node on the same side of neck measuring at 3 cm or smaller.

Stage IV

It is further divided into stage IV A, stage IV B, and Stage IV C.

1. In IV A Stage: Cancer cells spread through thyroid cartilage that has spread to tissues beyond larynx, neck, trachea, thyroid or esophagus.  The size of the tumor is 3 cm or smaller.
2. In IV B Stage: This cancer spreads to the spinal column, carotid artery, parts of the chest as measures larger than 6 cm.
3. In IV C Stage: In this stage, the cancer spreads to other body parts like bones, liver or lungs.

These all are the stages of vocal cord cancer.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN VOCAL CORD CANCER PATIENTS

1. Change or loss of voice
2. Excessive coughing with blood
3. Breathing difficulties
4. Swallowing difficulties
5. Neck pain
6. Earache
7. Swelling in the neck
8. Sore throat
9. Lumps in the neck
10. Weight loss

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF VOCAL CORD CANCER

The mutations that damage the cells in your vocal cord are mentioned in detail given below:

1. Having poor nutrition
2. Consumption of excess alcohol
3. Weak immune system
4. Exposure to toxins such as asbestos
5. Smoking
6. Exposure to human papilloma virus.
7. Tobacco
8. Fanconi anemia may be a reason for this cancer
9. Excessive consumption of processed food.
10. Less consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables

DIAGNOSIS OF VOCAL CORD CANCER

It can be through physical examination like if you are having swollen lymph nodes including your mouth, cheeks, gums, tongue, throat, lips etc. You can go for biopsy including CT scan, MRI, PET scan, X Ray, bone scan etc.

TREATMENT OF VOCAL CORD CANCER IN AYURVEDA

As per Ayurvedic point of view, various types of cancer are known as “Arbuda”. In Ayurveda Larynx (vocal cord) is known as “Swaryantra: When there is excessive growth of cells in Swaryantra it is known as “Swaryantra Arbuda”. The involvement of all three doshas kapha, vata, and pitta is there for Arbuda formation. But basically, imbalance of vata dosha can lead to vocal cord cancer. It causes hoarseness of voice.

So for proper Ayurvedic treatment of vocal cord cancer, Planet Ayurveda contains an herbal pack known as “Crab Care Pack”. This pack comprises of six herbal products mentioned below in detail:

Crab Care Pack

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

These capsules are prepared from a standardized extract of herb Withania somnifera. The capsules build proper immunity against the cancer cells and stop their growth. Ashwagandha capsules maintain all signs and symptoms associated with vocal cord cancer.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with plain water.

2. Curcumin Capsules

These capsules contain pure extract of Curcumin that reduces inflammation, pain, and swelling condition in a vocal cord cancer patient.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with plain water.

3. Kanchnaar Guggul

These classical herbal tablets contain many ingredients that reduce and stop the growth of malignant and benign cancer cells. Hence is beneficial for vocal cord cancer patients.

Dosage: Two tablets thrice daily with plain water.

4. Tulsi Capsules

These capsules are prepared from herb Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). The capsules reduce cough with blood in vocal cord cancer patients. Tulsi herb possesses anti-allergic, analgesic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral etc properties.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with plain water.

5. Guggul Capsules

Standardized extract of Commiphora mukul is used for capsule preparation. These capsules stop cancer cell production, reduces swollen lymph nodes, pain, and inflammatory condition in vocal cord cancer patients.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily with plain water.

6. Chanderprabha Vati

These classical herbal tablets are used since ancient times for various disorders. The tablets are prepared from numerous ingredients that relieve signs and symptoms associated with vocal cord cancer.

Dosage: Two tablets thrice daily with plain water.

Along with these medicines, you can also go for some panchkarma therapies like medicated Dhumrapana, Kaval, Nasya, Shiravedha, Basti, Virechan etc. These all should be done under the proper guidance of Ayurvedic doctor.

SOME IMPORTANT TIPS FOR VOCAL CORD CANCER PATIENTS

1. Always drink warm water and avoid cold water.
2. Consume green vegetables and fresh fruits.
3. Do deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation daily.
4. Stay positive always.
5. Avoid alcohol, smoking, tobacco, and eating processed or junk food items.