Introduction  

Few things can worsen a patient’s quality of life greater than an oozing, odorous, painful, and bleeding malignant skin wound.  The pathology of a primary or metastatic cancer to the skin leading to an open wound is a combination of neovascularization, necrosis and inflammation, leading to pain, bleeding, odor and exudate. 

As with other chronic wounds, a fundamental decision whether the wound can eventually heal or not should be made.  The choice of dressing is generally the same as with pressure ulcers (see Fast Fact #41). However, malignant wound management raises additional issues that deserve comment. Note: for any complex wound, it is recommended that you seek professional consultation from a wound care expert.

Exudates  

Exudates can be substantial from malignant wounds. The overall goal is to prevent exudate macerating other normal tissues or dripping off the patient into clothes and bedclothes. This serves both infection control as well as cosmetic goals.  One can use absorbent foams to minimize the frequency of dressing changes and maximize absorption. Typically a gauze pad (such as an ‘ABD’ pad) is placed on top of the foam.  Alginate dressings have a role in wounds that have exudates and/or are bleeding.  They are absorptive, hemostatic, and help to control infection. They do not have to be pulled off and can be simply washed off in the shower.

Infection  

Malignant wounds carry a high risk of superficial infection, especially with anaerobic or fungal species. Odor is frequently the first sign of anaerobic infection along with a purulent exudate. If the infection is only superficial, topical treatment (metronidazole, silver sulfadiazine) may be sufficient. However, if there is evidence of deeper tissue infection, then systemic metronidazole should be used. If the wound is determined to be non-healing, then topical agents like povidone can be used; some patients find it irritating and painful, however.  Povidone is cytotoxic to bacteria and will help keep the wound clean.  Povidone should not be used for wounds that are expected to heal because it is cytotoxic to normal granulation tissue.

Odor  

Managing odor can be accomplished by using odor absorbers; kitty litter or activated charcoal can be placed on a cookie tray underneath the bed. In addition, there are charcoal dressings that  can be used to cover a particularly malodorous wound. Additional approaches include putting a burning flame (such as a candle) in the room in an attempt to combust the chemicals causing the odor. One can also introduce a competing odor; bowls of vinegar, vanilla, or coffee. Fragrances and perfumes are often poorly tolerated by patients and should be avoided.

Bleeding

Bleeding is common; the surface of a malignancy may be friable and predispose to bleeding.  It may either present as oozing (microvascular fragmentation) or vascular disruption from necrosis or sloughing leading to “a bleeder.”  Any dressing that comes into contact with the surface may adhere and tear the surface when it is pulled off (e.g. saline wet-dry dressings).  This can be prevented by using a mesh synthetic polymer, non-stick, non absorptive dressing (e.g. Mepitel).  Other options to control bleeding are alginate dressings, topical low dose (100 U/ml) thromboplastin, silver nitrate, or cautery.

In addition to systemic treatments for pain (e.g. oral or parenteral opioids), local anesthetics can also be helpful.

Reference

1. Barton P, Parslow N. Malignant wounds: holistic assessment and management. In: Krasner DL, Rodeheaver GT, Sibbald RG, eds. Chronic Wound Care: A Clinical Source Book for Healthcare Professionals. Third Edition. Wayne, PA: HMP Communications;  2001: pp699-710.

Version History:  This Fast Fact was originally edited by David E Weissman MD.   2nd Edition published August 2005; 3rd Edition May 2015. Current version re-copy-edited April 2009; then again May 2015.