Effect of leech therapy (jalaukavacharana) on ulcerative squamous cell carcinoma - A rare case study
Abstract
Carcinoma is one among the dreadful disorders where human beings are constantly struggling for the survival. A bio active agent in leech saliva has been reported that metastatic inhibitory activity with rapid reduction of severe pain related to advanced stage of cancer successfully. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of leech therapy on pain management of ulcerative carcinoma in oral cavity. The study was conducted at Sri Sundera Lal hospital, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. Clinically diagnosed case of well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with painful persistent ulcer in right side of the oral cavity was enrolled to the study. After physical examination, heamotological and biochemical investigations, patient was recommended jalaukavacharana with 02 medicinal leeches ( Hirodo medicinalis) in six sittings at the interval of every week for consequent 42 days. Pain was assessed before and after the treatment using numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). At the end of the treatment period it was observed that pain was reduced 70% by the leech application itself. It can be concluded that Leech therapy subside pain significantly in painful carcinomatous ulcer .