AN AYURVEDIC OUTLOOK ON HEPATO CELLULAR CARCINOMA

Abstract

Cell division is a normal process in multicellular organisms. Cells divide for growth, for the development of organs, for healing of wounds and also for the replacement of older and damaged cells. It is a very complex process which is controlled by a regulatory mechanism at both molecular and cellular level. When this regulation is lost due to any reason, the cells behave unusually and elude their control mechanism. Then the cells grow and divide in an uncontrolled manner, starts spreading throughout the body and interfering with the functions of normal tissues and organs. As a whole, this condition leads to cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma, also known as hepatoma, is the most common type of primary malignancy in liver. In Ayurvedic literature, the terms Granthi, Gulma and Arbuda are used for specific tumour conditions. As there is no specific reference for Yakrit Arbuda, it can be considered under the Avasta bheda of different Vyadhis mentioned in classics.