Chapter 14: Malignant Wounds
Description:
Many cancer patients live with the knowledge that their disease is progressing and incurable. For a significant minority of these people this reality can be present in the form of a malodorous, exuding, necrotic skin lesion that is a constant physical reminder of disease progression (Mortimer 1998; Englund 1993). These lesions are often referred to as ‘fungating’ or malignant wounds. The problems associated with a malignant wound can have a devastating effect on a person’s physical, psychological and social wellbeing and can cause a marked decline in quality of life.
Topics:
- Introduction
- Clarifying the terminology
- Malignant wound development
- Incidence of malignant wounds
- Wound-related signs and symptoms
- Malodour
- Exudate
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Dressing-related problems
- Assessment of malignant wounds
- General assessment
- Summary of assessment
- Management of malignant wounds
- Principles of management
- Elements of management
- Role of cancer therapies
- Dressings and other measures
- General
- Wound cleaning
- Malodour
- Exudate
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Itching and skin irritation
- Psychosocial problems
- Conclusion
Author / Speaker:
Wayne Naylor
Wayne is a registered nurse who first worked as a staff nurse in New Zealand with a forensic psychiatry unit before moving into general surgery, and then into reconstructive plastic surgery and burns. While working at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London (UK), Wayne gained further qualifications in cancer nursing, and was involved in research, clinical patient care, education, and quality-assurance wound care in cancer patients. Wayne has published several journal articles, and was lead editor for the Royal Marsden Hospital Handbook of Wound Management in Cancer Care. Wayne now works as a clinical nurse specialist at the Wellington Cancer Centre in New Zealand. He has a special interest in the management of wounds related to cancer and cancer therapies including malignant wounds, radiotherapy skin reactions and cutaneous graft versus host disease.
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