Oncologic wound management
Malignant wounds, post-oncologic surgery and radiotherapy wounds: palliative approach focused on quality of life.
What it is
Oncologic wounds include fungating malignant wounds (primary or metastatic skin lesions) and wounds after oncologic surgery and radiotherapy (severe radiation dermatitis). They are most common in breast, head-and-neck, melanoma, and soft-tissue sarcoma cancers. Full healing is rarely possible; the goal is symptom control.
Goals of palliative wound care
Exudate management
The main promise to physical comfort. High-absorbency dressing, frequent changes.
Odour control
Anaerobic flora and necrosis create odour that is heavy for the patient and family. Topical metronidazole gel, activated charcoal in the outer layer.
Bleeding control
Hemostatics, gentle dressing removal, topical vasoconstrictors as needed.
Pain control
Atraumatic dressings reduce baseline and procedural pain. Systemic analgesia along the WHO ladder.
Flaminal®'s role
Atraumatic dressing change is the main argument for Flaminal® in oncology — re-traumatising the wound at every change amplifies bleeding and distress. Antibiotic-free antimicrobial action reduces odour. Less frequent changes (every 1–3 days) — patient comfort and nursing burden are minimised.
Flaminal Forte
Heavy exudate.
Flaminal Hydro
Post-radiotherapy wounds with low exudate.
Studies
Management of fungating wounds — review and palliative-care principles
Tilley C., Lipson J., Ramos M. · Seminars in Oncology Nursing · 2016
On requestManagement of acute radiation dermatitis — MASCC clinical practice
MASCC Skin Toxicity Study Group · Supportive Care in Cancer · 2020
On request
Further reading
More on the manufacturer's site
Flen Health maintains a detailed topic page with clinical cases. Opens in a new tab.