Herbal Cures for Cancer of the Tongue

Cancer of the tongue is frequently malignant, and it can often lead to the need a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. There are herbal treatments that may be able to aid other treatments in a cure for tongue cancer. There is no immediate cure-all for any type of cancer, and the doctor's advice should be taken immediately.

• Herbal Cures for Tongue Cancer

Tongue Cancer

• Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinoma, and they spread rapidly to other parts of the mouth and body. Some will begin with different types of sores or patches, for example, a leukoplaka (a white lesion), red patches (erythroplakia), or nonhealing sores lasting for two weeks or more. Other symptoms may involve lumps or ulcers on the tongue, a burning sensation, and difficulty swallowing. The main causes of tongue cancer are tobacco, alcohol, and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Tobacco is the main cause as it is thought that about 75 percent of oral cancer cases are related to the 19 known carcinogens that can be found in its composition. The cancer can be diagnosed with several screening devices, and a biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of oral cancer.

Traditional Treatment

• If the tumor is small enough, surgery may be enough to relieve the cancer completely. If the surgery has spread through the entire tongue, a glossectomy, a removal of the tongue may be necessary. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with the surgery or alone if the tumor is inoperable. Due to the many vital structures in the head and neck area, there is often a multidisciplinary team that has professionals associated with radiation, surgery, nutrition, dentistry, and chemotherapy. Some surgeries can lead to a disfigurement of the face, head, and neck depending on the type of operation and how much the cancer has spread.

Immune System

• Astragalus has been used in Eastern medicine to improve fatigue, fight infections, and enhance the immune system against cancer. Astragalus can activate cancer-fighting genes in cells while also increasing the number of white blood cells that can attack the cancer. Tablets of 500 mg of astragalus can be taken three times a day. Polysaccharide kureha (PSK) can stop the spread of tumors by disabling certain enzymes in cancer cells, and it may be able to enhance the effects of radiation therapy. Tablets of PSK can be prescribed by a doctor. Reishi strengthens the immune system, activating extra defenses to counteract cancer and the spread of tumors to the lymph nodes. The mushroom may stimulate the secretion of interleukin-2, cells that attack various kinds of cancer. Use the mushroom only in its tea form as raw reishi may include harmful bacterial cultures.

Tumor Reduction

• Garlic and its active ingredient of allicin have antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Allicin's anti-inflammatory properties extend to tumors and may be able to shrink the cancerous growths. Take the herb in its clove form or as a tablet with at least 5,000 mg of allicin. Extracts of European mistletoe have been used in Germany to treat malignant tumors as an injection and in tincture form. Its main cancer fighting ingredients called viscotoxins can reduce tumor size and prevent spreading. See your doctor for proper dosage and prescription.

Warnings

• When you detect any symptoms that may be precursors to cancer of the tongue, make sure to speak with your doctor immediately to ensure speedy treatment. Herbal remedies may cause allergic reactions or interact negatively with medications that you are taking. Consult your doctor or an integrated medical practitioner to make sure that you are taking the proper herbal remedies for you.