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November 29, 2010  12:00 am

Early Detection of Tumors is Possible with TCM

Mr. Yu, a 50 year old male, experienced a syncopal episode during a restaurant meal with his son one day after going to his primary care physician for an annual physical exam. After recovering from his syncopal episode, I examined him during which time I found his tongue to be swollen and reddish in color similar to pig’s liver. After an interview, I recommended that he go for a repeat visit to his physician for a more thorough work-up. I was certain that he had a tumor-like stagnation within his body. His physician dismissed his symptoms at that time. One year later, he was diagnosed with colon cancer metastatic to regional lymph nodes, and was considered to have late stage disease. This physician, due to arrogance, delayed the diagnosis of colon cancer in this patient and almost cost him his life. Mr. Yu’s emotional state at the time is not difficult to imagine.

Luckily, through combined TCM and western treatments, he was able to get well within three months and return to work. Through this experience, Mr. Yu has gained the diagnostic skill of tongue inspection and now regularly inspects his own tongue and the tongues of friends and family. He notes any abnormalities and recommends further consultation if necessary.

Mr. Wong, due to digestive upset, came to consult me. After eliciting a family history significant for cancer, I recommended that he go to his primary care physician for a full work up. Because Mr. Wong is an associate of Mr. Yu, and thus familiar with Mr. Yu’s story, Mr. Wong was diligent in securing an MRI, going so far as to pay out of pocket even though he had very good insurance. The first scans were within normal limits, but repeat scans demonstrated a 3cm tumor within the head of the pancreas. The mass was biopsied and pathology luckily came back benign. He underwent whipple resection for cancer of the head of the pancreas and incidentally discovered tumors within the duodenum. Post-procedure, he underwent an uncomplicated recovery.

TCM is a diagnosis based on the chi of the individual, and thus diagnosis tends to be made before cancer has a chance to become grossly apparent and cause symptoms. Western medicine requires that there be a tumor at the time of diagnosis, which often times is too late.

In summary, if your tongue changes color or/and no new growths appear on your body surface for long time period, please look deeper so as to perhaps detect tumors at an early stage and save both time and energy on making the diagnosis.

Posted by: Frank Huo