Publication

Abstract :

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa is common and with a higher recurrence rate. It is more prevalent in those who use tobacco and alcohol. Depending on the stage, it is treated with surgical excision, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The use of cytotoxic drugs in chemotherapy may cause severe adverse effects in patient's quality of life. This includes mouth sores, loss of appetite and dysphagia. In this case report, an attempt has been made to study the effect of specific Ayurvedic treatment modality in improving the quality of life in grade 2 buccal squamous cell carcinoma in the post radiation and chemo period.

Case history: 46 year old male patient, not a known case of diabetic mellitus and hypertension with history of tobacco use since 12 years, complaints of swelling & pain on left cheek and gum region, bleeding and pus discharge from the lesion since 6 months. Consulted allopathic physician, they advised for cytology and histopathology tests. The reports shows squamous cell carcinoma grade II, in left retro molar trigone and started allopathic medication, repeat CT scan after 2 months. The CT reports showed significant increase in size & extension of lesion and completed 3 cycles chemotherapy. Post chemotherapy, he experienced difficulty in opening the mouth (Grade 2 Trismus) swelling & pain on left cheek and gum region, moderate Bleeding and pus discharge from lesion, fatigue and loss of appetite. Base line investigations were done and found normal and started Ayurvedic treatment on OPD Basis.

Materials andmethods: Vaishwanara powder 15gms twice daily before food for three days, Panchatiktaka Ghrita 50gm, 75gm, 75gm, 100gm, 120gm, 130gm at morning for six days. Virechana with Trivrita Lehya 60gm, Drakshaadi decoction + Varnaadi decoction 15ml each twice daily before food for two months, Vridhivatikavati &Kanchanara Guggulu along with decoction.Madhusnuhi Rasayana 25gm with 1 pinch of Abraka Bhasma at bedtime for two months. Nimba, Bilva, Haridra, Shunthi, decoction for Kavala thrice daily for two months. Jaloukavacarana on the buccal region once in a week for two months.Triphala, Trikatu, Saindhava and honey as Pratisarana twice daily for two months.

Result: During the treatment period of 2months there was marked reduction in swelling & pain on cheeks and gum region, bleeding and pus discharge from lesion, fatigue and loss of appetite within the period of two months and give a better living status to the patient. Trismus improved from grade 2 to grade 1. Improvement in fatigue and appetite was observed.

Conclusion: The outcome of this case reveals that the side effects of chemotherapy in Grade II buccal mucosal carcinoma can be effectively managed by Ayurvedic treatment. This is only a single case report. Further studies are needed to assess the sustained results.