Cancer is one of the primary causes of death across the globe. Among the different forms of cancer, mortality from lung cancer is very common. This article involves a discussion about Adenocarcinoma - the most common type of lung cancer, and the feasibility of Ayurvedic treatment for lung cancer as an affordable mode of cancer treatment without chemotherapy.

What is Lung Cancer?

The occurrence of Lung Cancer is characterized by the cells lining the bronchi and/or alveoli (or bronchioles) of lungs growing in an uncontrolled and unrestricted manner. Cancers which start in other organs but metastasize to lungs (the primary site being some other bodily organ) are not categorized under lung cancer.

What are the types of Lung Cancer?

There are two main types of Lung Cancer - Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and Small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Approximately 80% of lung cancers are NSCLC and these are commonly divided into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

What does the word adenocarcinoma mean?

The word “adeno” refers to that which belongs to a gland, or that which is connected as a part of a gland. “Carcinoma” stands for cancer. Adenocarcinoma cells have secretory properties like glands. 

Adenocarcinoma - The most common type of lung cancer

Since glandular tissues occur extensively across numerous parts of our body, adenocarcinoma can affect a variety of organs in the body. Adenocarcinoma is particularly the most common variety of lung cancer.

Why is Adenocarcinoma dangerous?

Although it is the nature of cancers to spread or metastasize to other parts, adenocarcinoma is best known for its tendency to invade other tissues and can easily spread to other organs within a short period.Another risky thing about Lung Adenocarcinoma is its relatively greater affinity for recurrence after treatment.

Why we need to know about Adenocarcinoma - the most common type of lung cancer?

-          It is the most common variety of primary lung cancer which mostly affects the non-smoker group of people.

-          It can quickly invade other tissues.

-          Its recurrent nature and propensity for reappearance. Adenocarcinomas most usually have a bad prognosis.

-          To understand the clinical outcome, and decide upon the treatment option, depending on whether the cancer is within the lung, or has already spread to other parts of the body.

How is Lung Adenocarcinoma classified?

-          Adenocarcinoma in situ.

-          Minimally invasive adenocarcinoma.

-          Invasive adenocarcinoma.

-          Variant adenocarcinoma, i.e.; the histomorphologic variants of adenocarcinoma involving different sites of emergence.

Clinical and therapeutic outcomes are better when adenocarcinomas are diagnosed early.

What are the symptoms of Lung Adenocarcinoma?

The symptoms depend upon the clinical staging of lung cancer. Earlier stages are mostly asymptomatic. The later stages may exhibit symptoms such as cough, haemoptysis, difficulty in breathing , sudden and unaccounted weight loss, and extreme weakness.

Treatment options for Lung Adenocarcinoma

The treatment options available in conventional system include surgery, radiotherapy,   chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. These treatment options for lung adenocarcinoma depend upon the severity or stage of progression of the disease, overall health of the patient, possible lung functionality, and also the age and immunity of the patient.

Why should we prefer Ayurvedic treatment for Lung Cancer over conventional methods to treat Adenocarcinoma?

-          Most of the available treatment methods have serious side effects, I.e.; the risk often outweighs the possible benefits.

-          Maximum cases are detected in the advanced stages where the health of the patient already starts deteriorating. Such patients cannot withstand the destructive procedure with a poor immunity and energy level.

-          Attaining control over the disease, Ayurveda prevents further weight loss and

progressive deterioration. 

-          Ayurvedic approach is not destructive. It improves recovery of cancer patients through the body’s own healing system.

-          With proper Ayurvedic intervention at correct times, using Ayurvedic medicine for cancer, the chances of recurrence and/or future metastasis of the cancer are minimized.

-          Ayurvedic approach is natural. It targets the route cause from the very basic level, efficiently arresting the spread of the disease.

-          By attaining control over Vayu (Tridosha theory in Ayurveda), the abnormal cell division is impeded, improving pitta and Agni. Consequently, metabolism can be corrected using Rasayana ausadhi like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), pippali (Piper longum), sunthi (Zingiber officinale), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), chawanprash, etc. Thus, proper cancer diet plan in Ayurveda can help in augmenting the strength of the healthy cells and boosting immunity.

-          Ayurveda is a broad spectrum approach for cancer. Ayurvedic treatment for cancer is minimally invasive. Furthermore, the holistic approach afforded by Ayurveda offers an affordable cancer treatment regime that can help boost the quality of living in patients post recovery.

        “You can be a victim or a survivor of cancer, the choice is yours”