How to treat Carcinoid Tumor in Ayurveda?

Carcinoid is a rare tumor that begins in cells in the neuroendocrine system. Usually, they grow slowly and can arise in several places throughout the body. Mostly they begin in the digestive tract and have a potential for metastasis. The primary area of involvement is the gut as primitive stem cells give rise to these carcinoid tumors and produce a large amount of hormones. They can also be seen in other organs like – ovaries, lungs, prostate and kidneys which are most of the time metastatic in nature. And as compared to metastatic tumors the growth rate is very slow. Mostly the appendix and small intestine are the most common organs that are affected by the carcinoid tumors. Carcinoid tumors of the mid gut like jejunum, ileum, duodenum, etc. are often associated with carcinoid syndrome (comprises of signs and symptoms that occur secondary to the carcinoid tumor). The incidence ratio is high in the age group of 40s and 50s, in females and in African American races. The risk of carcinoid tumors is high in person with the history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, pernicious anemia, etc.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF CARCINOID TUMOR

According to Ayurveda tumors are considered as 'Arbuda' which usually result from improper dietary and lifestyle behaviors, genetic factors, all leading to vitiation of tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), which get lodged in dhatus and also vitiate them and produce a swelling or growth. These growths or tumors may be malignant or non-malignant in nature and are often metastatic in nature.

Reference – Sushruta samhita / nidaanstahana / chapter no. 11 / shloka no.3)

WHAT CAUSES CARCINOID TUMORS?

Still, the cause of carcinoid tumors is not known. But there are some factors that can cause Carcinoid tumors are –

• Improper or unwholesome diet and lifestyle are responsible for all the cancers.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol and even smoking can cause a tumor.
• Exposure to carcinogenic substances, radiations, etc. are responsible for carcinoid tumors.
• Genetic predisposition or genetic mutations  
• Weak immunity
• Hormonal imbalance

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CARCINOID TUMORS?

Carcinoid tumors are mostly asymptomatic and even they won't create trouble for months or years. Symptoms may vary from patient to patient and depend upon the underlying organs and tissues. Sometimes these carcinoid tumors produce hormones which start accumulating in the organs and produce symptoms of carcinoid tumors.

The symptoms depend upon the underlying organ, hence vary in carcinoid cancers but some common symptoms are –

• Protruded masses.
• Inflammation – Swelling can be internal or external.
• Painful or sometimes painless.
• Sometimes associated with bleeding and fever
• Gastro intestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and dysentery, etc.
• Wheezing and cough
• Peripheral edema.
• Flushing because of hormonal imbalance especially due to serotonin.
• Weight loss

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA

As discussed earlier, carcinoid tumors are asymptomatic so diagnosis is purely on laboratory investigations. Most of the time, these tumors are ruled out during investigations of some other diseases. Here are some diagnostic criterias that help to evaluate the cause, nature and extent of tumors.

• CBC (Complete blood count)
• USG (Ultrasound)
• CT scan (Computed tomography)
• MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
• Nuclear Medicine Tests
• PET (Positron emission tomography)
• CRP (C-reactive protein)  
• CgA levels (Chromogranin A)
• Urine tests
• Endoscopy
• Hormonal assay
• Biopsy

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

The treatment protocol is basically aimed to reduce and resolve the growth, eradicate the causative factors, preventing the body from various ailments by increasing the immunity and restoring the normal functions of the involved and affected organ. So just by keeping these things in focus Planet Ayurveda offers and evolved the "CRAB CARE PACK". This pack contains formulations which are prepared from natural, pure extracts of herbs and are really effective in treating Carcinoid tumors. The medicines that are incorporated in "Crab Care pack" are as follows –

1. Curcumin Capsules
2. Tulsi Capsules
3. Guggul Capsules
4. Kanchnaar Guggul
5. Ashwagandha Capsules
6. Chanderprabha Vati

Crab Care Pack

1. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin capsules are made using the pure extract of herb – Haridra (Curcuma longa). The active ingredient of this formulation is 'Curcumin' which is anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous in nature thus this herb helps to manage the infection and growth of tumors or cancerous cells. These capsules are also used as a preventive measure in those who have a family history of tumors.

Dosage: 2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Tulsi Capsules

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is an immune modulator herb that helps to manage the immunity. A natural supplement that restores and supports the overall health as well as impaired signals from the brain that causes uncontrolled mitotic division. It helps to manage genetic mutations of the DNA as well.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Guggul Capsules

Guggul (Commiphora mukul), the raisin of the plant is used as a medicine to cure kaphaj disorders in our body. Guggul has sharp potency that manages all the growths or uncontrolled cell divisions. Moreover, it keeps the cell structure healthy.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Kanchnaar Guggul

Kanchnaar guggul is a classical preparation of Ayurveda that helps to cut down the extra growth from the body due to its ksharan and tikshana qualities, hence a potent medicine of choice in case of tumors.

Dosage: 2 tablets to be taken two times daily with plain water after meals.

5. Ashwagandha Capsules

These capsules are composed of pure extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is an anti-oxidant and rejuvenating herb thus helps to eliminate free radicals from the body and repairs the damaged tissues.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

6. Chanderprabha Vati

An effective classical formulation that has the potency to maintains all the body functions. This medicine is composed of various herbs but Shilajit (Asphaltum) and Guggul (Commiphora mukul) are the main ingredients. Chanderprabha vati works effectively on urinary tract problems, extra growths and generalized health issues synergistically with other herbs.  

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

Along with natural herbs, you should do some modifications in your diet and lifestyle to empower your immune system to attain a healthy and disease-free life. You can adopt a healthy nutritious diet along with Yoga and exercises to achieve this goal.