Critical Analysis of Malignancies in Ayurveda WSR to ENT Cancer

Review of Literature

Concept of Oncologist in Ayurveda: As per oncologists (Arbudagya), when tumour erupts over the tumour (Adhi-arbuda) then that stage is also incurable [1].

Definition of Tumour as per Ayurveda: The abnormal muscular growth which is circular, fixed, mild aching, broad based, slowly growing, big and non-suppurating is referred as Arbuda (Tumour) [2].

Classification of Tumour as per Ayurveda

Types of Tumours as per Ayurveda [3] (Table 1):

• Vataj Arbuda
• Pittaj Arbuda
• Kaphaj Arbuda
• Raktaj Arbuda
• Mansaj Arbuda

Other Types of Tumours in Ayurveda [4]: As per oncologists (Arbudgya), tumours could also be classified into following types

• Adhi-Arbuda – The tumour erupting over the tumour is called as Adhi-arbuda.
• Dwi-Arbuda – The tumour occurring in pair or after one another are called as Dwi-arbuda.

Causes of Tumours as per Ayurveda

• The repeated trauma to muscles
• Excessive intake of meat
• The cause no.1 leads to external tumours whereas cause no.2 may lead to internal malignant tumours [5].

Pathogenesis of Muscle Tumour: With above causes there is morbid vitiation of muscles and muscular built of organs leading to tumour development [5].

Features of Muscle Tumour [5]

• Tumour features
• Painless mass
• Unctuous mass
• Colour like skin
• Non suppurating mass
• Stony hard mass
• Fixed immovable mass

Cause for Non-Suppuration in Tumour: Tumours usually does not suppurate due to predominance of Kapha and Meda in it and also due to stability of doshas owing to cohesive intermixing [6].

Some Other Tumours: As its root is deep seated and not visible like the tuber (kanda) and as it is rigidly entangled in itself (sanhat) like tendril (gulma) and have broad base, it is called as ‘Gulma’ [7]. The intermixing and consolidation of various tissues in the body is called as ‘Gulma’ [Bhela].

This definition of ‘Gulma’ given by acharya Bhela, indicates towards the development of benign or malignant growth in the body.

Cause for Recurrence of Tumour: The left-over portion of excised tumour re-grow very fast. Hence it should be cauterized after excision [8].

Definition & Classification of Tumours in Modern Science

Tumour is a mass of tissue formed as a result of abnormal, excessive, and inappropriate, uncontrolled growth of the cells which continues indefinitely. Basically, there are 2 types of tumours. Benign Tumour: It remain localized forming a single mass which is often symptomless and can be excised completely. Malignant Tumour: It is also called as cancer. It invades the surrounding tissues and spread through lymphatics and blood to other parts of the body where it give rises to secondaries (metastasis).

Oral Malignancies in Ayurveda

Talu Kachhapa (Palatine Adenoma): The disease in which there is gradually developing, hard, painless growth like elevated back of tortoise in the palate is referred as Talu Kachhapa [9].

• Treatment – Incurable Talu Arbuda (Palatine tumour): The disease in which there is lotus like growth in the palate is referred as Arbuda [9].
• Treatment – Incurable Mansasanghat (Fibroma of Palate): The disease in which there is fleshy painless growth in the palate is referred as Mansasangha [10].
• Treatment – Incurable Walaya (Pharyngeal/Oesophageal Malignancy): The disease in which there is elevated and elongated edema in the throat associated with dysphagia is referred as Walaya [11].
• Treatment – Incurable Balas (Laryngopharyngeal Malignancy): The disease in which aggravated Kapha along with Vata gives rise to edema in the throat associated with obstructive dyspnea and which is incurable is referred as Balas [12].
• Treatment – Incurable Swaraghna (Laryngeal Malignancy): The disease in which aggravated Kapha gives rise to laryngeal growth associated with change of voice, dryness of throat and dyspnea is referred as Swaraghna [13].
• Treatment - incurable Shataghani (Throat papiloma): The disease in which aggravated Kapha gives rise to laryngeal growth associated with change of voice, dryness of throat and dyspnea is referred as Swaraghna [14].
• Treatment – Incurable Nasa Arbuda (Nasal Tumour): The big bag like growth in nasal cavity is Nasal tumour (Nasa Arbuda) [15].

Karna Arbuda (Ear tumours): There are 7 types of Ear tumours (Karna Arbudas) [16].

The earlier said features regarding tumours should be considered with regard to Ear tumours also and accordingly the treatment strategy should be planned [17].

Diagnostic & Therapeutic Rhinoscopy

To remove the nasal tumour (Nasa Arbud Harnartham) [18]. Treatment of Tumours External Tumour: Apply the paste of sesame, kulthi, meat, and curd on the tumour. Allow the flies to drop eggs on it. When maggots eat the tumour significantly, scrap it little and then cauterize it. After regression in size, excise it [19]. Treatment of Liposarcoma: After fomentation, excise it completely and clean it. Ensure hemostasis and then ligate it For C & D, use Karanj taila mentioned for the t/t of abscess to prevent the recurrence of tumour. If not excised completely tumour re-cures [20]. Prognosis of Tumours: The tumour from which the blood oozes, which is developed in systems or in vital parts and which is very much fixed, is incurable and should not be treated.

When tumour erupts over the tumour (Adhi-arbuda) When tumour occurs in pair or after one another (Dwi- arbuda). The Mansarbuda and Raktajanya Arbuda are also incurable [21].