DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

TNM staging system is followed to understand the status of cancer. For the confirmation of stage and diagnosis, investigations like physical examination, laboratory investigations including histopathological studies, imaging studies like X ray, Ultra sound scan, CT, MRI, Nuclear scan,  PET scan , genetic tests are followed. In modern system of medicine, treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and stem cell transplant therapy are advised for cancer patients depending upon the type of lesion, affected area, severity, age factor, affected diseases, prognostic nature, patient’s tolerance etc. Cancer is curable when it is early diagnosed and treated properly with appropriate modern interventions by the concerned experts. Otherwise it may lead to various complications.

ALARMING SIGNS

There are more than 100 types of cancer. The common varieties are carcinoma, sarcoma, leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and melanoma. Cancer is usually named based on the organ, tissue or cell where it is originated.

When a person notices the following signs and symptoms, he/she shall consult a doctor and undergo for the prescribed tests. 1. A new mole or there is an increase in the size of mole 2. A ulcer does not heal 3. Changes in the size and shape of breast and nipple 4. Changes in the texture of breast skin 5. A lump on or under the skin 6. Hoarseness of voice 7. Chronic cough 8. Changes in bowel habits 9. Painful or difficult in urination 10. Difficulty in swallowing 11. Vomiting after eating 12. Sudden weight loss 13. Chronic fever 14. Abdominal pain 15. Increased swetting at night hours 16. Blood in the stools, urine and vaginal bleeding 17. Increase in abdomen size 18. Gradual neurological deficit 19. Feeling weak and tired, 20. Chronic infection. Most often the following symptoms are not due to cancer. They may also be caused by some other problems or by benign tumours. However, it is important to consult a doctor to confirm the underlying cause.

CANCER - RISK FACTORS

1.    Age factor: High incidence of cancer (25.4%) is seen in the age group in between 65 and 74. 24.1% cancer patients fall in the age group 55 to 64. 19.6% in the age group 45 to 54. 19.6% of the cancer patients in between 75 to 84.

2.      Positive family history of cancer.

3.      Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of cancer of gastro-intestinal tract and liver.

4.      The risk of cancer is much higher for those who drink alcohol and use tobacco.

5.      More than 30 cancer causing chemicals are enlisted by Cancer Society. At present, edible items like vegetables, fruits, sea foods, meat, tin foods, beverages, drinking water etc are chemically contaminated which also increases cancer risk in long term consumption.

6.      Long term hormonal therapy also increases the risk

7.      Patients, receiving immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune disorders

8.      Viral infections like Hepatitis B & C virus, Epstein- Barr virus, Human Pappilloma  virus, Kaposis sarcoma associated virus, Cytomegalo virus, Human Immuno deficiency virus increase the risk of cancer

9.      Over exposure to sunlight and irradiation

10.  Obesity and physical inactivity also one among the reason for cancer development

INCIDENCE OF CANCER

Growing incidence of the cancer really makes fear among the people and become a big challenge for the medical profession. The most common type of cancer in males is lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and stomach cancer. Whereas in females breast cancer, colo- rectal cancer and cervical cancer.

Cancer may be manifested at anywhere in the human body. In all types of cancer, some of the body cells begin to divide without stopping may form growth, and spread into surrounding tissues. As these cancers grow, some cancer cells can break of and travel to regional or distal laces in the body through the blood or the lymphatic system and form new tumours far from the original tumour. Many cancer forms solid tumours whereas cancers of blood, such as leukaemia generally don’t form solid tumours.

About Siddha system of Medicine

Dr. K. Jagannathan, MD (Siddha), PhD

 

Siddha system of medicine, recognizable among the Dravidian population that prevails in South India and is practiced from time immemorial especially in Tamil populated region. Siddhars, the saints and sages of Tamils developed this exceptional system believed to be in the year of 10000 BC- 7000BC. Santhigiri is the pioneer organization promoting this exceptional system in Kerala and worldwide. Santhigiri Siddha Medical College is one among 10 Siddha colleges functioning in India is producing 50 institutionally trained Siddha graduates every year and also extending Siddha medical services to the public through its 120 network hospitals in and outside the country under Santhigiri Healthcare and Research Organization.

Siddha is the not only a life science but also the way of life. Siddha advocates 1. Vaidhyam ( treatment), 2. Vaatham (alchemy), 3. Yogam (regulation of body and mind), 4. Gnanam (Attainement of prefect knowledge, salvation and eternal bliss). It is purely based on 96 thathwas, including 5 basic elements, 3 doshas (humours), panchabootha pancheekaranam (evolution).

In Siddha, medicines are classified into 64. i.e. 32 classifications of internal medicines and 32 classifications of external medicines. Under each classification, thousands of formulas are mentioned by the Siddhars in their literatures and also existing in practice. Since all Siddha medicines are resultant from natural sources, they are considered to be non/less toxic. No possibilities of adverse effects, side effects or untoward effects while under medication. All the medicines are prepared only after purification of raw materials. In Siddha, medicines are available for the diseases right from fever up to cancer. Because of having much awareness on bio-medicines, people do not have any hesitation in following Siddha. Cultural blend, easy availability and devoid of toxicity are added values for Siddha. Cost of the Siddha medicine also not much when evaluated with other medical systems. Drug manufacturing unit of Santhigiri is manufacturing and marketing nearly 250 Siddha medicines.

Vatham, Pitham and Kapham are the three vital forces/humors scheming physiological functions of our body. When their equilibrium status is disturbed, afflicts the status of seven udar thathukkal (seven physical constituents) by the way disease results. Changes in Diet and life style, Environmental factors and genetical factors are the key reasons predisposed for the instigation of every disease. To diagnose the affected disease, affected humour and to find out the root cause of the disease is the elite approach followed in Siddha in diagnosis and treatment process. Permanent remedy is achievable to greater extent in Siddha, as treatment is focused to cure the disease and root cause of the disease. “Envagai thervu (eight fold dianostic methods)” is the diagnostic tool followed in Siddha for arriving right diagnosis and to assess prognosis.

Vinnavar maruthuvam (Divine method); Manida maruthuvum (Rational method); and Asura maruthuvum (Surgical method) are the main streams of Siddha treatments. Diseases due to Kanma vinai (genetic factors) and other dreadful diseases require spiritual level healing touch and could be treated only with Vinnavar maruthuvam. While treating the patient, special concern will be paid on Yakkai (Body constitution), Thinai (sort of land where the patient habitats) and Paruvakalam (season) for the effectiveness of the treatment. 

Special treatment methods in Siddha: Varmam (manipulation of vital points in the human body) and Thokkanam ( 9 types of massage procedures) are exceptional treatment practices existing in Siddha to cure Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal diseases and traumatic conditions. Yoga-Pranayamam-Dhyanam is advised for chronic diseases and especially psychosomatic in origin. Siddhars developed Kayakarpam (rejuvenation therapy) methods mainly for longevity with complete freedom from illness and also for preventing ageing problems.

In India, Siddha system is coming under Ministry of AYUSH. Central Council of Indian Medicne is the statutory council regulating Siddha medical education and Siddha medical practice and Central Council for Research in Siddha is the apex council, regulates and promotes Siddha research. Santhigiri Siddha Medical College is affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences and conducing five and half years BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery) course. 120 beded hospital exclusively for Siddha is attached to this college which provides all Siddha treatments.

Siddha not only cures physical, mental diseases but also cares social, moral and spiritual welfare of an individual.