BY UMAIR SHAFIQ
Kangri is a clay bowl weaved into a willow wicker, which is kept beneath the traditional Kashmiri clothing known as the Pheran.
If a person is wearing a jacket, it may be used as a hand warmer. It is approximately 6 inches in diameter and reaches a temperature of approximately 150°F.
Kangri cancer in Kashmir
Kangri cancer is a squamous cell carcinoma induced on the inner surface of the thigh or on the abdominal wall in areas of recurrent thermal skin injury in the people who warm themselves by Kangri containing live coals held under their clothing. It is found only in Kashmir in the northwest of the Indian subcontinent.
Kangri cancer is more often associated with the abdomen, thigh, and leg regions due to the usage and positioning of kangri pots, which come in close contact with these anatomical features.
Over time, the use of kangri to keep warm results in erythema , a precancerous keratotic growth that take the shape of superficial reticular blackish brown colored lesions.Eventually, the cells at the lesion site become more irregular in shape and form; the lesions ulcerate and may become itchy and bloody. The resulting irregular growth is the presentation of kangri cancer.
Use of the kangri pot is the princple cause of kangri cancer.Elements that are believed to contribute to the development of kangri cancer are heat, burning wood particles, smoke and burnt chinar leaves.
In one study, researchers found that kangri cancer patients had a history of using a kangri for 5-6 hours a day, 3-4 months in a year.
This study highlighted that the gastric cancer is the leading cancer encountered in our hospital (18.8%) and the leading cancer site among men (25.2%) and third most common cancer among females (10.4%). Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in Kashmir along with oesophageal cancer.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
In majority of the cases, skin squamous cell carcinomas are asymptomatic and do not present any signs or symptoms (during the initial period)
2) The appearance of a slow-growing lesion may be noted.
3)The skin lesions may be noticed on the abdomen or upper thigh.
4)The skin lesions may appear as crusted ulcer and nodules. It may ulcerate and bleed.
In some cases, the affected skin may appear more/less pigmented than the surrounding skin
INCIDENCE
It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.
Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.
The first case of kangri cancer was reportedly recognized in 1819. The incidence of kangri cancer is higher for those over age 50.There is nono definitive predominance of kangri cancer in either males or females.
TREATMENT
Radiotherapy
External beam radiotherapy has been used in one person to prevent the relapse and growth of tumor metastases to the head and neck regions. The prophylactic applications of radiation have been noted as “encouraging” in this one case, reducing some tumors and eliminating others.
Surgery
In the treatment of kangri cancer, surgery is, most often the first-line course of action to remove the primary tumor.
PREVENTION
1) Kangri Cancer may be prevented by avoiding the use of Kangri /pots close to the body skin. Individuals may instead using adequate thermal protective clothing and other heat sources appropriately.
2)Education and awareness of this particular cancer type among the local Kashmiri community can help reduce the incidence rates.
3)Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, scans, and physical examinations are mandatory, due to its high metastasizing potential and possibility of recurrence.
USEFUL TIPS
Do not pick or pop the blisters doing so can affect the healing process and may result in secondary infections.
Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition.
The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse..
Health is wealth And prevention is better than cure . Wish u all safe winter Stay safe Take care.
Umair Shafiq is pursuing BSc Nursing at
Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences, Udaipur.
