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Starace M, Carpanese MA, Pampaloni F, Dika E, Pileri A, Rubino D, Alessandrini A, Zamagni C, Baraldi C, Misciali C, Patrizi A, Bianchi T, Apalla Z, Piraccini BM. Management of malignant cutaneous wounds in oncologic patients. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:7615-7623. [PMID: 35672478 PMCID: PMC9385755 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neoplastic wounds may develop as a result of primary tumor growth in the skin, due to metastasis, or due to skin invasion by tumors emerging from deeper levels. Malignant wounds may present as a crater-like ulcer, or as raised nodules with a cauliflower-like appearance. They are associated with malodor, necrosis, pain, bleeding, and secondary infection. The aim of our study is to better characterize fungating wounds and their management. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the database of the Wound Care Unit of the University of Bologna in order to identify individuals affected by neoplastic wound, between January 2019 and February 2021. RESULTS We identified 9 females and 2 males with a mean age of 63 years; all were referred by the Oncology Unit. Management differed depending on the characteristics of the patients and the ulcers. Complete healing of the wound, following the parallel complete remission of the lymphoproliferative neoplasia, was observed in one individual. Among the others, one died because of breast cancer, while cutaneous lesions in 2 individuals deteriorated after 1 year of follow-up. Remission/relapse of the ulcer following the treatment course administered for the lymphoma were observed in one patient. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of malignant fungating wounds is challenging. Considering the neoplastic nature of the wounds, complete healing or improvement cannot be expected with the application of classically prescribed dressing for wounds. A mostly palliative treatment, focusing on maintaining the patient's quality of life, is a reasonable choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Starace
- Dermatology - IRCCS Policlinico Di Sant'Orsola - Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Miriam Anna Carpanese
- Dermatology - IRCCS Policlinico Di Sant'Orsola - Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Pampaloni
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gallucci 4, 35121, Padua, Italy.
| | - Emi Dika
- Dermatology - IRCCS Policlinico Di Sant'Orsola - Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pileri
- Dermatology - IRCCS Policlinico Di Sant'Orsola - Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Rubino
- Addarii Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Aurora Alessandrini
- Dermatology - IRCCS Policlinico Di Sant'Orsola - Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Zamagni
- Addarii Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlotta Baraldi
- Dermatology - IRCCS Policlinico Di Sant'Orsola - Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cosimo Misciali
- Dermatology - IRCCS Policlinico Di Sant'Orsola - Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Patrizi
- Dermatology - IRCCS Policlinico Di Sant'Orsola - Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bianchi
- Dermatology - IRCCS Policlinico Di Sant'Orsola - Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Zoe Apalla
- Second Dermatology Department, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Bianca Maria Piraccini
- Dermatology - IRCCS Policlinico Di Sant'Orsola - Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
This article introduces the important issue of assessing and managing malodour. A literature review was undertaken and implications for practice identified in relation to CliniSorb. This paper presents an up-to-date 10-patient, single-site non-comparative clinical evaluation of CliniSorb using both quantitative and qualitative evidence from patients and clinicians. The data presented in this paper is used to discuss the embarrassing issue of malodour and highlights the importance for the clinician to consider this when planning patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie Stephen Haynes
- Professor in Tissue Viability, Professional Development Unit, Birmingham City University, and Consultant Nurse, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
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Freitas de Castro MC, Santos WAD, Fuly PDSC, Caldeira dos Santos MLS, Ribeiro Garcia T. Intervenções de enfermagem para pacientes oncológicos com odor fétido em ferida tumoral. AQUICHAN 2017. [DOI: 10.5294/aqui.2017.17.3.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo: identificar intervenciones de enfermería para el diagnóstico de olor fétido en herida tumoral. Métodos: revisión integradora de la literatura a partir de las bases de datos MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS e Cochrane, que resultó en la selección de 48 artículos científicos acerca de la temática investigada. Resultados: con base en las evidencias empíricas identificadas en los artículos incluidos en el estudio, se elaboraron 24 intervenciones de enfermería para el control y la reducción del olor fétido en heridas tumorales. Conclusiones: las intervenciones de enfermería presentadas en el estudio posibilitan la promoción de la calidad de vida al paciente con herida tumoral en cuidado paliativo. Como sugerencia posterior al Consejo Internacional de Enfermeros, se deben validar clínicamente para que su inserción se realice en el subconjunto terminológico cuidados paliativos para una muerte digna, de la Clasificación Internacional para la Práctica de Enfermería (CIPE®).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Ousey
- Professor and director of the Institute of Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention, Huddersfield
| | - Debbie Roberts
- Professor of nurse education and clinical learning, Wrexham
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Ousey K, Roberts D. Exploring nurses' and patients' feelings of disgust associated with malodorous wounds: a rapid review. J Wound Care 2017; 25:438-42. [PMID: 27523655 DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2016.25.8.438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify primary empirical research related specifically to feelings of disgust associated with malodorous chronic cutaneous wounds. METHOD A rapid review of the literature using the key words disgust; wounds; malodour and psychosocial. RESULTS A total of 163 papers were retrieved with seven being included for the final review. Themes emanating from the review were malodour, health-care professionals coping with malodour and disgust. Malodour is a concern to patients, which can sometimes go unreported by nursing staff; although the reasons for this remain unclear. The coping mechanisms developed by nurses in response to 'disgusting' wounds requires further exploration in order for a fuller understanding of these mechanisms to be achieved. This review has identified that both health-care professionals and patients can become distressed at wound odours, yet there is little evidence that is available to guide people as to how to manage these feelings. CONCLUSION Hard-to-heal or chronic cutaneous wounds, such as leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, are an increasing global health-care issue. While some research has been undertaken to explore the psychological impact of living with a fungating carcinoma; much less has been written about the management and mitigation of feelings of disgust for patients and families living with a malodorous wound or how health-care professionals can effectively provide psychosocial care.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ousey
- Professor and Director for the Institute of Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, UK
| | - D Roberts
- Professor in Nurse Education and Clinical Learning, and Head of the research centre for the School of Social and Life Sciences, Glyndwr University. Plas Coch Campus Mold Road Wrexham
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Gibson S, Green J. Review of patients' experiences with fungating wounds and associated quality of life. J Wound Care 2013; 22:265-6, 268, 270-2, passim. [PMID: 23702724 DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2013.22.5.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the evidence exploring the experiences of patients with fungating wounds and associated quality of life, and to subsequently provide recommendations to how these implications may be addressed in practice. METHOD Using a systematic approach, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to investigate the most appropriate and relevant evidence regarding the experiences of patients with fungating wounds. RESULTS Studies unveiled the enormity of the unrelenting, unique and devastating consequences that these wounds have on an individual’s life and that every domain of their life is negatively affected. CONCLUSION These findings must galvanise nurses to become aware of the extent of the devastation experienced and aspects of life affected by these wounds. The issues raised have multifaceted and challenging implications for practice; however, all aspects need to be addressed and satisfied in an attempt to improve the quality of life of individuals with fungating wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gibson
- Critical Care Unit, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
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Alexander SJ. An intense and unforgettable experience: the lived experience of malignant wounds from the perspectives of patients, caregivers and nurses. Int Wound J 2011; 7:456-65. [PMID: 20673255 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-481x.2010.00715.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant wounds occur infrequently, but are typically described as devastating and overwhelming. However, there has been little formalised research, and the vast majority of existing malignant wound literature comprises reports of health care professionals from their management of the physical symptoms. Few studies have investigated the lived experience from the perspectives of patients and nurses and none have investigated the experiences of lay caregivers caring for a patient with a malignant wound. As a result, there has been little mention in existing literature of the non physical issues associated with malignant wounds or how they might be addressed. The purpose of this study was to address this gap in knowledge by investigating the lived experience of malignant wounds from the perspectives of those living it. In-depth interviews were conducted with patients, caregivers and nurses. The data were analysed thematically within a hermeneutic phenomenological methodology to show four themes: (i) malodour; (ii) new mode of being-in-the-world; (iii) still room for hope and (iv) enduring memories. Although this study confirmed previous findings that malodour was one of the worst aspects of malignant wounds, it was significant that the other three themes occurred in the previously largely overlooked psychosocial domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J Alexander
- Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Health, CQ University, Locked Bag 3333, Bundaberg, Qld, Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli J Bergstrom
- The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, 300 W 10th St, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Lindahl E, Gilje F, Norberg A, Söderberg A. Nurses’ ethical reflections on caring for people with malodorous exuding ulcers. Nurs Ethics 2010; 17:777-90. [DOI: 10.1177/0969733010379181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to illuminate nurses’ reflections on obstacles to and possibilities for providing care as desired by people with malodorous exuding ulcers. Six nurses who took part in a previous study were interviewed. The participants were shown an illustration with findings from a study that elucidated the meaning of living with malodorous exuding ulcers. They were asked to reflect on the obstacles to and possibilities of providing the care desired by the patients. Twelve audio-recorded transcribed interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Our interpretations of participants’ reflections on the obstacles and possibilities while caring for such patients revealed one theme: striving to ‘do good’ and ‘be good’. The obstacles were formulated as subthemes: experiencing clinical competence constraints, experiencing organizational constraints, experiencing ineffective communication, fearing failure, and experiencing powerlessness. The possibilities were formulated by the subthemes: spreading knowledge about ulcer treatments, considering wholeness, and creating clear channels of communication. A multiprofessional team could overcome the identified obstacles and provide structure, competencies, commitment and support to ‘do good’ for patients and ‘be good’ nurses.
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Abstract
The aim of this paper was to provide a literature synthesis on current wound care practices for the management of chronic wounds in palliative care and end-of-life patients, focusing on the control of wound-related symptoms for comfort and improved quality of life. These wounds included pressure ulcers, venous and arterial leg ulcers, diabetic ulcers and fungating malignant wounds. Wound-related symptoms included pain, exudate, malodour, infection, bleeding, dressing comfort and negative psychological and social functioning. Best care wound practices were formulated for each wound type to ease suffering based on the literature review. Although symptom management strategies for comfort may work in tandem with healing interventions, it is important to recognise when efforts towards wound closure may become unrealistic or burdensome for the patient at end of life. Thus, unique aspects of palliative wound care feature clinical indicators for early recognition of delayed healing, quality of life measurement tools related to chronic wounds, and comfort care strategies that align with patient wishes and realistic expectations for wound improvement.
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Piggin C, Jones V. Malignant fungating wounds: an analysis of the lived experience. J Wound Care 2009; 18:57-8, 60-4. [DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2009.18.2.38744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Piggin C, Jones V. Malignant fungating wounds: an analysis of the lived experience. Int J Palliat Nurs 2007; 13:384-91. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2007.13.8.24537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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