Let us know about cancer
Cancer is defined as the development of abnormal cells that divide and grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells are known as tumor cells or malignant cells. Cancer is not confined to humans, but animals or other living organisms can also get cancer. (*1)
What symptoms does cancer have?
The signs and symptoms of cancer depend on the specific type and grade of cancer. The main signs and symptoms of cancer include as below:-
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Unusual bleeding
- Persistent cough
- Change in bladder or bowel function
- Fever
- Persistent cough or voice change
- Lumps or tissue mass
- Indigestion (chronic)
- Change in size, color, shape, or thickness of a mole or wart
Who is at risk of kidney cancer?
The following is a list of major causes of cancers:-
- Chemical or toxic compound exposures: Nickel, cadmium, benzene, vinyl chloride, benzidine, N-nitrosamine, tobacco or cigarette smoke, and asbestos are possible agents for cancer.
- Ionizing radiation: Radon, uranium, and ultraviolet rays from sunlight are possible agents for cancer.
- Pathogens: Human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis viruses B and C, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, Schistosoma spp, and helicobacter pylori are possible agents for cancer.
- Genetics: Several cancers are linked with human genes: ovarian, breast, skin, prostate, colorectal, and melanoma.
Let us know about the Clinical terms used for cancer
There are several clinical terms used for cancers as below:-
- Carcinoma : Carcinoma is Cancer that starts in the skin or tissue linings in the organs.
- Sarcoma : Sarcoma is a cancer of connective tissues such as muscles, cartilage, bones, and blood vessels.
- Leukemia : Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow that creates blood cells.
- Lymphoma and myeloma : Lymphoma and myeloma are cancers of the immune system.
Let us learn more about specific types of cancer with the resources below:
- bladder cancer
- bone cancer
- brain cancer
- breast cancer
- cervical cancer
- duodenal cancer
- ear cancer
- endometrial cancer
- esophageal cancer
- heart cancer
- gallbladder cancer
- laryngeal cancer
- leukemia
- lip cancer
- liver cancer
- lung cancer
- lymphoma
- mesothelioma
- myeloma
- oral cancers
- ovarian cancer
- pancreatic cancer
- prostate cancer
- rectal cancer
- skin cancer
- small intestine cancer
- spleen cancer
- stomach or gastric cancer
- testicular cancer
- thyroid cancer
- uterine cancer
- vaginal cancer
- appendix cancer
- kidney or renal cancer
- penile cancer
- vulvar cancer
- colon or colorectal cancer
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Here we emphasized kidney cancer.
What do you know about kidney cancer?
The kidney is a bean-shaped organ lies just below the rib cage. You have two kidneys, each about the size of a fist, lying on each side of the spine. The kidney has four functions:
- Remove waste products.
- Maintain fluid balance.
- Control blood pressure
- Produce certain hormones needed to make blood and maintain strong bones.
Your kidney removes urine which is made of excess water and waste products filtered from the body. Kidneys control the blood pressure and maintain fluid balance in your body. Every year 11th March is celebrated as World Kidney Day.
Kidney cancer, also known as Renal Cancer, is the abnormal growth of cells in kidney tissue. In the United States, Kidney cancer is one of the top ten most common cancers. You can get kidney cancer at any stage, but people greater than 75 years old are at more risk. In the United States, kidney cancer is the ninth most common cancer for women. (*2)
What symptoms does kidney cancer show?
Kidney cancer does not appear to have any signs and symptoms in the early stages. The main signs and symptoms may occur at a later time, including:
- Blood in your urine
- Consistent back pain that does not go away
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
What are the causes of Kidney Cancer?
The exact causes of kidney cancer are not clear. According to doctors, kidney cancer begins when some kidney cells develop mutations in their DNA. A cell’s DNA contains genetic instructions that tell a cell what job to perform. The abnormal cell growth forms a tumor. Some cells metastasize to distant parts of the kidney.
Also Read – Ayurvedic treatment for creatinine
Who is at a high risk of kidney cancer?
Some factors can increase your risk for kidney cancer
- Smoking : Smoking has a great impact on kidney cancer than non-smoking. Your risk for kidney cancer may decrease after you quit smoking.
- Obesity : People with obesity have a higher risk for kidney cancer than healthy ones.
- High blood pressure (Hypertension): You are at increased risk of kidney cancer if you have a medical history of kidney cancer.
- Family history of kidney cancer : You are at high risk for kidney cancer if you have had a family history of kidney cancer.
- Inherited Syndromes : You are at high risk of kidney cancer; if you have certain inherited syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, tuberous sclerosis complex, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, or familial renal cancer.
- Treatment for kidney failure : You are at higher risk for kidney cancer if you receive long-term dialysis to treat chronic kidney failure.
What are the possible types of kidney cancer?
Different kidney cancers include renal cell carcinoma, Wilms tumor, transitional cell cancer, collecting duct tumors, and renal medullary cancer.
- Renal cell carcinoma: Renal cell carcinoma develops when cancerous cells grow in the lining of the tiny tubes inside the kidney.
- Transitional cell cancer: Transitional cell cancer develops when malignant cells grow in the renal pelvis and ureter. The ureter is a tube-like structure that connects the kidneys and the bladder.
- Renal Medullary cancer: Renal medullary Cancer is a rare form of kidney cancer but is aggressive. This cancer affects the right kidney more than the left kidney and quickly spreads to the other organs at diagnosis.
- Collecting duct tumors: Collecting duct tumors is also another rare form of cancer and is aggressive. The cancer cells appear similar to renal medullary cancer in collecting duct tumors under the microscope.
- Wilms tumor: Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is a rare kidney cancer that affects children.
How is kidney cancer staging?
The TNM system is one tool that doctors use to describe the stage of kidney cancer. Doctors use the results from diagnostic tests and follow the TNM tool, where T stands for
A tumor (T): How size the primary tumor has? Where is it limited?
Node (N): How many lymph nodes have the tumor spread out? Where is it located?
Metastasis (M): Has cancer spread out to different body parts?
Doctors may assign TNM systems as classifications of cancer staging
Stage I: The tumor size is 7 cm or smaller in this stage. Besides this, the tumor has not spread to the lymph nodes or distant organs (T1, N0, M0).
Stage II: The tumor size is larger than 7 cm. Besides this, the tumor has not spread to the lymph nodes or distant organs (T2, N0, M0).
Stage III: In stage III, either of the conditions may be applied to the tumor as below
- A tumor may be of any size and is limited to kidneys only. Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and not to the other parts of the body (T1 or T2, N1, M0).
- The tumor has grown into major veins. It may or may not have spread to regional lymph nodes and not spread to other body parts.
Stage IV: In stage IV, either of the conditions may be applied to a tumor as below:
- A tumor has spread to the area beyond the region of Gerota’s fascia and extends into the renal gland. It possibly spreads to lymph nodes but not to other body parts (T4, N, and M0).
- A tumor has spread to other organs such as the bones, brain, or lungs (any T, any N, M1).
How to diagnose Kidney cancer?
Some tests and diagnostic exams can diagnose the kidney cancer:
- Blood and Urine Test: Your doctor may perform a blood and urine test, which may give clues about the cause of your symptoms.
- Imaging Tests: Some imaging tests like ultrasound, X-ray, CT, or MRI allow your doctor to visualize a kidney tumor or abnormality.
- Biopsy: In some cases, your doctor may perform a biopsy on a suspicious kidney area.
What are the natural herbs that are beneficial for kidney cancer?
Some incredible Ayurveda herbs can enhance the kidney Health as below:
Punarnava : It is a natural diuretic herb. It has potent anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of Punarnava can uplift renal health and kidney disorders.
Gokshura : Goksura is used to enhance the kidney’s functioning by aiding in the exertion of excess uric acid and maintaining the uric acid level in the kidneys. This herb is beneficial for combating kidney cancer.
Palash : Palash is a potent natural remedy for maintaining renal health. It can cure many underlying problems that arise due to impaired kidney functions. This herb is beneficial for combating kidney function.
Turmeric : Turmeric has immense anti-inflammatory properties. It can diminish the risk of kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and kidney cancer. It helps eliminate toxins and uric acid from the body and maintains overall longevity.
Varuna : Varuna is a natural diuretic that regulates the body’s natural PH and controls the water levels within the body. Additionally, it strengthens overall kidney functions.
What should you do to avoid Kidney Cancer?
Several foods may increase your risk for kidney cancer.
- Foods high in salt: Consuming too much salt can lead to an imbalance in your body and high blood pressure. Whenever possible, use herbs and spices for flavoring instead of taking salt.
- Food high in Phosphorus: Consuming phosphorus-rich foods such as cocoa, beans, oysters, certain dairy products, and processed bran cereals can weaken your bones and reduce kidney function due to kidney cancer.
- Overhydration: Overhydration may create problems due to reduced kidney function. It can compromise urine production and trigger your body to retain too much fluid.
Let us know about Ayurveda’s concept of cancer
Ayurveda is derived from Sanskrit, where Ayur means life, and Veda means knowledge. The primary basics of Ayurveda are Doshas and Prakriti. The therapeutic approach of Ayurveda has four categories as Naishthiki chikitsa (spiritual practice), Prakritisthapani chikitsa (health maintenance), and Roganashani chikitsa (disease cure), Rasayana chikitsa (restoration of normal health function). During the 7th century BC, Dhanwantry and Atreya used herbal therapies to treat the early stages of cancer and surgery in advanced cases.
Charaka and Sushruta Samhita mentioned cancer as inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling in the body. They say either Granthi (minor neoplasm) or Arbuda (major neoplasm). Ayurveda literature defines the three-body control system as the nervous system (Vata or air), the venous system (Pitta or fire), and the arterial system (Kapha or water), which coordinate together to perform normal body function.
In benign neoplasm, one or two of the body system are out of control and is not too harmful because the body is still trying to coordinate this system. But malignant tumors are very harmful because all three major body systems get out of control, lose their mutual coordination, and cannot prevent cell death and tissue damage.
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Ayurveda Treatment for Kidney Cancer
The main goals of Ayurveda treatment are to expunge impurities from the person’s body, regulate hormonal balance, increase disease resistance, reduce stress and worries, and calm the mind. Ayurveda hospitals including offer certain Ayurveda therapies.
- Yoga
- Massages
- Breathing exercise
- Acupuncture
- Sound therapies
- Meditation
- Herbal medicines are in the form of tablets, powders of various colors, pellets, and scents.
- Panchkarma treatment includes five therapies.
All Dosha in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda experts,’ the human body comprises three elements known as doshas. It is believed that each person generally lays one of the three dosha types based on their body type and sensitivities. According to Ayurveda, an imbalanced dosha leads to deteriorating health and diseases. Each dosha performs specific physiological functions.
- Vata Dosha: Elements like air and space are considered with vata and are generally described as light, dry, cold, flowing, rough, and spacious. People with vata dosha are usually creative, slim, and energetic. Moreover, their mood is highly dependent on the weather, the foods they eat, and the people around them.
- Pitta Dosha: Pitta dosha is associated with a tenacious personality. It is based on fire and water and is commonly described as sharp, hot, light, oily, liquid, and mobile. Pitta dosha handles digestion and metabolism.
- Kaph dosha: Kaph dosha is based on earth and water. People with Kapha doshas are generally strong, caring, and thick-boned.
What are the advantages of Ayurveda over the Allopathic system of medicine?
Some reasons are why Ayurveda is better than the allopathic system.
- Focus on treatment : In allopathic medicine, the doctors focus on the disease’s symptoms rather than the root cause. The allopathic system can offer a partial cure, but Ayurveda can concentrate on the balance between three doshas.
- Completely natural : Ayurveda medicines are made from natural ingredients that cause no harm. On the other hand, allopathic treatments may have side effects.
- Less expensive : Ayurveda medicines are completely safe and less costly compared to allopathic treatments. On the other hand, Allopathic medicines are not secure and expensive.
- Permanent Cure : Ayurveda cures the symptoms permanently and removes all the toxins from the body. The allopathic treatment destroys the bacteria but does not ensure that the disease will be cured permanently by the body.
Conclusion:
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy kill cancerous cells and healthy cells. But all the Ayurveda medicines have no side effects on the body.
At the core of Ayurveda, success in treating all kidney ailments, including kidney cancer, is customization. Each patient has a unique set of doshic properties and factors that should be considered before giving treatments and Ayurveda medicines. Ayurveda offers treatment for all stages of kidney cancer.
Moreover, Ayurveda treatment offers personalized diet and lifestyle recommendations, significantly affecting the body.
Panchkarma therapy stimulates the body’s natural repairing system and helps to rejuvenate the renal tissues and cells.
Furthermore, Ayurveda Rasayan therapy has different benefits. Ayurveda treatment boosts the fundamental aspects of the body. So, patients feel a renewed sense of wellness and good health by the end of treatment for kidney cancer.
Ayurveda provides a supportive role in kidney cancer treatment. Ayurveda can enhance the quality of kidney cancer patients. If you have kidney cancer, the Ayurveda recommends certain things that can bring positive changes no matter how severe it is.
Ayurveda has the potential to treat kidney cancer and arrest its progression. Hence, it should be encouraged to benefit from the boon of ayurveda and lead a vibrant & happy life.