Seminoma and its Ayurvedic treatment

Seminoma is a germ cell tumor (GCT) of the testicles (testes), which is the male reproductive organ.

Males have two similar-sized testicles contained within the scrotum(the loose bag of skin below the penis). The testicles comprise the seminiferous tubules, which are the finely coiled tubes that have a layer of cells (germ cells) lining them. The cells develop into the sperm cells of men, during the period from puberty through old age.

Seminoma is the most common type of testicular GCT, accounting for nearly 35% of all germ cell tumors of the testicles. The tumor generally affects men aged between 30-40 years, and can mostly be cured completely if detected in the early stages.

Seminoma is also known by some other names, like Testicular Seminoma, Seminoma of the testis, Seminomatous germ cell tumor of testis, and Testicular seminomatous germ cell tumor.

Seminoma typically originates in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules of the testicles. Going by a gross clinical description, Seminoma is commonly manifested in the form of lumps or nodules of a uniform consistency or a somewhat lobulated consistency.

Sub-types of Seminoma

Seminoma can be classified into three histologic subtypes — (i) Classic,(ii) Anaplastic,and (iii) Spermatocytic.

The Classic Seminoma sub-type composed of a monotonous cord or sheet of large cells that clearly have cytoplasm and a hyperchromatic nucleus. Anaplastic Seminoma is marked by distinct pleomorphism; while Spermatocytic Seminoma, which mostly affects elderly men, is composed of cells that look like secondary spermatocytes and spermatids.

Three Stages of Seminoma

Seminoma can be classified into the following three stages from the diagnosis standpoint:

• Stage 1 Seminoma: When the tumor affects only the edges/periphery of the testicle, and there is no evidence of clinical metastasis (spread of the tumor to other parts of the body).

• Stage 2 Seminoma: When the tumor spreads beyond the testicles and affects the areas up to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes and para-aortic lymph nodes located under the diaphragm.
• Stage 3 Seminoma: When the tumor metastasizes beyond Stage 2 and affects organs like the brain, the liver, or lungs.

During an initial physical examination of Seminoma patients in Stage 1, the tumor can typically be distinguished from the remaining part of the testicular tissue, mostly without foci of necrosis or hemorrhage.

Seminoma: Risk Factors

There are some factors that can put certain men at a potentially high risk of developing Seminoma. Generally, men affected by the following conditions have a high Seminoma risk:

• An Un-descended testicle
• Atypical or abnormally developed testicle
• A genetic disorder called Klinefelter’s syndrome, due to which men have an extra X-chromosome. The disorder leads to a lack of facial/body hair in affected men, as well as small testicles.

Seminoma: Symptoms

Some of the main symptoms of Seminoma are:

• Painful lump in the testicles
• Swelling in the testicles
• Dull pain in the groin or lower abdomen
• Pain in the lower back
• Change the feel of the testicles when touched
• Pain/discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• Sudden fluid build-up in the scrotum.

Seminoma: Ayurvedic Treatment

In modern medicine, the treatment of Seminoma depends on the stage of the tumor. In Stage 1 Seminoma, the treatment generally consists of active surveillance, which comprises the periodic history and physical examinations, tumor marker analysis, and radiographic imaging. In Stage 2, the treatment chiefly involves radiotherapy, while Stage 3 Seminoma cases are treated with combining chemotherapy.

In most cases, Seminoma treatment usually involves the removal of one testicle. However, the removal of the testicle does not affect fertility or other sexual functions.

The conservative treatment of Seminoma can also be supplemented by alternative medications and treatment regimens, such as Homeopathy, Acupressure, herbal medicines, and diet modifications.

Seminoma can also be effectively managed in a natural way, with the help of Ayurvedic formulations. Renowned herbal manufacturing company Planet Ayurveda offers some extremely beneficial herbal products for managing Seminoma. The products are prepared in accordance with Ayurvedic principles, under the guidance of experienced Ayurveda experts.

Planet Ayurveda’s herbal products for managing Seminoma

(1) Kanchnaar Guggul Tablets

Several potent herbs are combined together for the preparation of these tablets. The herbs include Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegate), Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), and Guggul (Commiphora Mukul).

The use of these tablets is beneficial for patients suffering from Seminoma because of the ability of the herbal components to manage different types of Cancers/Tumors, treat Lipoma (tumors consisting of fatty tissues), maintain healthy muscle mass, treat obesity, keep the kidneys healthy, manage liver cysts, and cure skin problems.

(2) Varunadhi Vati Tablets

The preparation of these tablets involves a blend of some powerful herbs, including Punarnava(Boerhaavia diffusa), Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris), Guggul (Commiphora Mukul), and Varun (Crataeva nurvala).

The tablets can alleviate the symptoms of Seminoma because the herbal combination of the tablets can manage lumps and swelling, reduce pain, boost the immune system, maintain a good flow of urine, keep the kidneys healthy, and act as a laxative.

(3) Tribulus Power Capsules

For preparing these capsules, a standardized extract of the ‘Gokshura’ herb (Tribulus Terrestris) is used. The herb is known for its antioxidant, aphrodisiac, stamina-boosting, and age-retarding properties. The herb is specifically capable of managing male sexual health problems in a natural manner.

Patients suffering from Seminoma can benefit from the use of these capsules because of Gokshura herb’s proven ability to keep the male reproductive system healthy, nourish the body, maintain sex hormone levels, increase strength and stamina in men, improve sperm count, relieve impotency, reduce hypertension, and manage heart disorders.

(4) Curcumin Capsules

The ‘Curcumin’ compound of the rhizomatous Turmeric herb (Curcuma Longa) is used for preparing these capsules. The Turmeric herb is used in Ayurvedic formulations because of its immense medicinal value, and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The use of these capsules can benefit Seminoma patients because Curcumin has the ability to manage various kinds of cancers, reduce inflammation, treat muscle pain, manage inflammation, reduce joint stiffness, treat allergies, and manage musculoskeletal disorders.

Conclusion

Planet Ayurveda’s herbal products for managing Seminoma are purely organic products, prepared from standardized extracts of best quality herbs. The products do not contain any extra color, chemicals, binders, fillers, additives or preservatives; and are completely safe to use. However, patients suffering from Seminoma should ideally use the products in consultation with an expert Ayurveda practitioner.