Description A tumour is defined as an abnormal tissue growth that serves no useful function in the body. "Tumour" should thus not be readily associated with cancer until proper diagnostic procedures have been performed ...
Benign Tumours Freckles, moles, and fatty lumps under the skin all represent benign tumours: abnormal cell growths that do not pose any dangers to surrounding tissue. They can be removed or left alone, generating only aesthetic concerns, if any. It is important to note that benign tumours, wherever they may be located, are confined to a certain area and do not impede bodily function.
Malignant Tumours The danger of abnormal cell growth is not the mass itself but rather its ability to invade surrounding tissue and to spread to other, often distant, parts of your body. This more invasive type of cell growth is what is referred to as a cancerous, or malignant tumour. Contrary to common perception, the difference between benign and malignant growth is not clear-cut. Although truly benign tumours exist (as in the examples above) as do ones that are unquestionably cancerous, the spectrum of cancer behaviour is not simply black and white.
Crossing the Line While there are benign tumours that predispose themselves to becoming cancerous, some tumours that are more malignant in nature progress so slowly that they never pose a threat to your health, treated or not. Generally speaking, though, the ability of a tumour to invade surrounding tissue, to grow rapidly, and to metastasize (spread) from its site of origin to distant parts of your body, is clear evidence of both malignancy and serious health concern. For more information, see the dedicated section on Cancer.
Remedies The following remedies have been listed with the assumption that treatment will be directed at malignant tumours. If you are concerned about the presence of one or more benign tumours, consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Amino Acids Some studies suggest that arginine may display anti-tumour activity, due to its role in activating certain components of the immune system. L-arginine is found in brown rice, carob, coconut, dairy products, gelatin, meat, oatmeal, oats, nuts, raisins, sesame seeds, soy, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, whole wheat, and all protein-rich foods. L-arginine is available as part of a multi-amino acid complex and in protein powder supplements. Depending on the country in which you live, arginine may also be available as an isolated supplement in capsule or tablet form. You may require a prescription. NOTE: Supplementation should be avoided in pregnant or lactating women.
Antioxidants Green tea is known to enhance the immune system and prevent many forms of cancer. It contains phenols that reduce the potential for cancer to metastasize. Green tea is non-toxic and inexpensive. Place 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves in one cup hot (not boiling) water and steep for 3 to 4 minutes. The longer the infusion, the more bitter green tea becomes. Boiling water destroys some of the beneficial elements of green tea. Allow the water to stop boiling before adding the leaves. Use a ceramic, glass, or earthenware mug. Drink 1 to 2 cups daily. If supplementing, take 250mg green tea extract daily. If choosing standardized extracts, look for preparations that contain 97% polyphenols. There are also several skin care products that are now available with green tea extract. It is still unclear as to what extent these topical applications of green tea protect the skin. Melatonin has been shown to be protective against the DNA damage that can lead to cancer. It may be available in supplement form in various doses. Many government bodies currently ban this compound.
Food Supplements Essential fatty acid supplementation has proven useful when dealing with breast tumours. Flaxseed / linseed oil, borage oil, pumpkin seed oil, hemp seed oil, evening primrose oil, fish, eggs, and walnuts are all sources of EFA's. The oils may be the most ideal. Take four tablespoons daily on yogurt, rice and/or bean dishes, salads, and vegetables. Do not cook with these oils. Heat denatures these oils and they lose their nutritional value. Be sure to keep oils refrigerated as they will go rancid if not kept cool. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 6 to 10 capsules daily, in divided doses, before meals. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1,000mg 3 times daily, before meals.
Herbs Cat's claw is considered the most important botanical in the rainforest and this especially healing plant is becoming quite popular North America and Europe as a treatment for cancer. The Urarina tribesman of Peru tell stories of its use in curing tumours. Studies into this plant suggest that its powerful immune-boosting properties help normalize immunoglobulins (antibodies) by activating the T-lymphocytes and macrophages. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner as to the appropriateness of this herb for your needs. Garlic is known to have anti-tumour promoting activity. Several ingredients of garlic are responsible for this action, in addition to allicin. Studies show that garlic and onion consumption is correlated with a decrease in cancer death rate. Garlic can stimulate growth and proliferation of some beneficial cells in the body used to fight cancer. In vitro studies of melanoma cells show that garlic inhibits cancer cell growth by more than 50%. Aged garlic extract has also demonstrated protective action against radiation damage. Eat 2 to 4 cloves daily. If supplementing, take 600 to 1,200mg once or twice daily Maitake and shiitake mushrooms are well known to have immunostimulant properties that inhibit tumour growth. Shiitake mushrooms also reverse T cell suppression cause by tumours. To prepare an infusion, bring to a boil 1 ounce/28g mushroom and 1 pint/473mL water. Boil for 20 to 30 minutes or until one third of the water is gone. Cool, strain, and divide into 3 doses for the day. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 40 drops tincture 3 times daily. European mistletoe extract has been used to treat cancer. It has been used in Europe and administered as subcutaneous injections over the course of many months to years. The preparation has been shown to stimulate the immune system, reduce tumour size, and kill cancer cells. It also improves the quality of life and survival. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner regarding this particular treatment.
Vitamins Studies point to a link between vitamin A deficiency and cancer. It is unclear whether the deficiency promotes cancer, or if the cancer causes the deficiency. Regardless, vitamin A supplementation is beneficial. It has been shown to inhibit tumour promotion and tumour initiation. It also enhances the effect of chemotherapy while protecting from the side-effects of radiation therapy. If using vitamin A for the latter reason, take 50,000 IU per day in divided doses a few days before and during treatment. In general, it is a good idea to increase you intake of beta-carotene- and vitamin A-rich foods. Coenzyme Q10 has antioxidant properties and is known to stimulate the immune system. Deficiencies have been associated with the development of cancer. At lower doses, coenzyme Q10 can help patients experience less pain and weight-loss, a decrease in metastasis, and an increase in appetite. At higher doses it may promote tumour remission. Coenzyme Q10 is found in broccoli, meats, peanuts (not a recommended source), salmon sardines, and spinach. If supplementing, take 50 to 300mg daily, in divided doses.
Actions and Remedy Listings
See also Cancer
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