While being diagnosed with a tumor will always be frightening, the treatments of many cancerous tumors have improved dramatically over the last few decades. Traditional treatments have been combined with alternative methods to treat tumors more holistically. As time goes on, more alternative methods may be discovered to improve the outlook for cancer patients.
What is a Tumor?
A tumor is a lesion or swelling that is formed in the body by an overgrowth of cells. Tumors come in three different types: benign, pre-malignant and malignant (cancerous). There are many different causes for cancerous tumors---depending on where the tumors have started---many of which are chemically or hormonally related. These changes involve the activation of oncogenes in cancer cells that cause them to grow hyperactively and the deactivation of tumor suppressor genes which makes the cells lose their proper function. Most cancers will form malignant tumors but some, like leukemia, do not.
Traditional Treatment
Different cancers require different medical treatments, but most will involve a combination of several remedies. Surgery is often the first option if the cancer has not spread to multiple parts of the body. This can involve the removal of the entire cancerous area like a mastectomy for breast cancer and a prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Radiation uses ionizing radiation to destroy cells in the problematic area to stop the cells' ability to grow and divide. This treatment will kill both normal and cancerous cells. Chemotherapy uses targeted drugs that damage cells that divide rapidly and can halt the unimpeded growth of tumors. Immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and clinical trials are other traditional methods of attacking tumors.
Herbal Remedies
Certain herbs have anti-tumor properties which can help to shrink or destroy certain cancerous tumors.
Garlic (Allium sativum) has many different health-improving properties including better circulation, anti-bacterial properties, along with its abilities to shrink tumor cells. It is believed that the main component of garlic, allicin, is responsible for garlic's cancer fighting abilities. Some researchers believe that high garlic consumption may be one reason for the low instances of cancer in Mediterranean countries. An odor-free extract of the herb is available in 500 milligram capsules to be taken twice a day.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is an herb that stimulates the immune system and can improve fatigue. Astragalus is believed to stimulate T cells and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells to fight cancer cells and shrink tumors. Standard dosage for the herb is three 1,0000 milligram capsules a day.
Pau d'Arco is a well-known herb in South America that has tumor shrinking abilities. The main active ingredient, lapachol, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and tumor suppressant. The herb can be taken as a tea or in 300 milligram tablets.
Dietary Changes
Despite the discovery that diet is extremely important in cancer prevention and treatment, there are still many doctors who consider any change in diet as an alternative treatment. To reduce tumor size and prevent cancer from spreading you should revolutionize your diet as soon as you are diagnosed. Cut out smoking and drinking and add in as many fruits and vegetables as you can get your hands on. Cut out red meat, fried foods, sugary foods, and fast food and supplement with essential fatty acids and a multivitamin supplement. There are more extreme measures like going on a completely raw diet, which involves not eating anything that has been processed or cooked over 110 degrees. A small or total change in diet can make a world of difference in treating your tumor.
Warnings
Certain herbs will interact with cancer medications that you might be taking so consult your doctor before beginning herbal treatment. Some herbs and supplements may cause allergic reactions or interact with other medications as well. An integrated medical practitioner may be able to help you deal with taking both medicines and herbs at the same time.