Fungating Wounds
Also known as ulcerating or fungating cancers, fungating wounds occur when a tumour growing beneath your skin breaks out and causes a wound. When the tumour grows and spreads, it can gradually damage blood vessels and interrupt oxygen flow to the skin, leading to the slow death of all tissue and skin in the affected area.
Fungating wounds will cause the affected area to appear ulcerated with an unpleasant-looking wound with a high risk of infection. They are typically recognisable for their fungal or even cauliflower-like appearance. Because necrosis (cellular death in your bodily tissues) occurs, a foul odour may also emanate from the wounds.
Fungating wounds can cause significant discomfort and may even lead to poor mental health due to the wound’s unsightly appearance. Prompt wound care management and wound care service is paramount to ensure better health outcomes.
What Causes Fungating Wounds?
Fungating wounds are rare, but when they occur, they happen in the same area as a primary tumour (where the cancer started) or from a secondary tumour in a different location. They are typically a result of skin cancers such as squamous or basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, breast cancer, or head and neck cancer.
Primary Tumour Fungating Wounds
Primary tumours can lead to fungating wounds if they are undetected and left untreated. Untreated cancers are likely to spread and even grow towards the skin’s surface, eventually breaking out and causing a fungating wound.
Secondary Tumour Fungating Wounds
Secondary tumours spread from the primary site and reach other areas of the body. Cancer cells that spread to the blood or lymphatic system can then be transmitted to the skin, leading to a fungating wound. However, such occurrences are rare.
Where Do Fungating Wounds Appear?
Fungating wounds can appear anywhere, depending on whether a primary or secondary tumour causes them. They may also appear in awkward positions, including the armpit and near the neck, making it challenging to secure your wound dressings properly. A wound care specialist can show you different ways to ensure a fungating wound dressing, even in an awkward location.
Symptoms of Fungating Wounds
The early signs of a fungating wound are when a red lump appears on the skin, gradually getting bigger and spreading out. Blisters may also occur, and dead tissue may start flaking off in time.
Other symptoms that might appear include:
● Constant or frequent itching
● Occasional pus or fluid that oozes out from the wound
● Pain on or around the wound
● Pain elsewhere when the wound affects other nerves
● Frequent bleeding from the wound
● An unpleasant smell
Management of Fungating Wounds
Fungating wounds are treated as part of your cancer therapies, so wound management is vital to helping you cope with the wounds as your condition gradually improves with ongoing treatment. Wound management aims primarily to control symptoms, allowing you to go on with your daily life as best as possible with minimal pain or discomfort.
You will be assisted by a dedicated wound care specialist or tissue viability nurses who will provide you with the knowledge you need to effectively manage your wounds, whether with their support in a clinical setting or when you are at home.
Wound Dressing
Wound dressings are the most essential component in managing fungating wounds. They aim to protect the wound by:
● Preventing it from being exposed to harmful bacteria or infection
● Keeping it clean and moist (but not wet)
● Absorbing any oozing fluids while preventing adhesion to the wound (which can be painful to remove)
● Reduce the intensity of unpleasant odours from the wound
The type of dressing you use will depend on the nature of the wound itself. For fungating wounds with frequent discharge or bleeding, you may need to use soft silicone or foam dressings that can effectively absorb the discharge while keeping the wound clean and moist. There are also alginate dressings derived from seaweed that absorb wound fluid and maintain an ideal moist environment to ensure the wound heals nicely. For odour control, charcoal dressings are effective in masking fungating wound odours.
You will need to periodically change your dressings to ensure the wound’s condition does not worsen. The frequency of dressing changes will also depend on the nature of the wound and the type of dressing you use. Your supporting wound care specialist or nurse will advise you on the dos and don’ts of your dressing.
Managing Other Symptoms
The various symptoms of a fungating wound can also cause other issues. For example, frequent itching can lead you to scratch the wound and exacerbate it. Managing these other symptoms is also crucial to avoid further complications, such as using emollient ointments or topical creams to soothe the skin and reduce itching.
FLUID DISCHARGE Apply a barrier film or cream to healthy skin around the wound to protect it from soreness or redness caused by discharge. | BLEEDING Special haemostatic dressings can help reduce bleeding, as these dressings contain elements that hasten the clotting process. | ODOUR Charcoal dressings and oral or cream-based antibiotics may help to reduce odour. | PAIN Painkillers can provide short-term relief, while non-stick dressings can also minimise the pain you experience when changing dressings. |
Contact Us
Have Questions? Interested to Join Our family?
Get In Touch!
- Royal Square Medical Centre
101 Irrawaddy Road #17-11
Singapore 329565 - Contact: 6397 2456
Fax: 6264 0225 - admin@sozo.com.sg
- Mon - Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat - Sun: Closed