Malignant wounds: Management in practice

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Malignant wounds: Management in practice

Karen Ousey , Susy Pramod, Trudie Clark, Luxmi Dhoonmoon, Sharon Gardner, Heather Hodgson, Jane Mogford, Claire Porter, Tabatha Rando, Jacqui Stringer
9 September 2024

A malignant wound is a devastating complication associated with cancer. Malignant wounds can be extremely challenging – and distressing – for patients, family members and clinicians. They are unique wounds to manage, which can be very different from any other wound type.

We identified a need for increased awareness and education surrounding this wound type, with the aim of increasing clinician confidence and ultimately improving patient wellbeing and outcomes.

A group of experts met in March 2024, to discuss what information was needed to aid practice and potentially improve patient quality of life. This document represents the guidance and information discussed during the meeting.

The aims and objectives of this document are:

  • To provide a clear definition of malignant wounds and their physiology
  • To address the impact of these wounds on practice, plus the challenges this entails
  • To provide guidance on assessing these wounds and their unique symptoms
  • To advise on setting objectives for care, communicating with patients and carers, and
    managing expectations
  • To provide management guidance for malignant wounds in practice
  • To identify gaps and potential needs for the future.

Increased awareness and communication around this difficult wound type is needed, and we hope this document assists clinicians to help patients, families and carers, and increases confidence and skills for healthcare practitioners.  

With cancer diagnoses increasing and so many people being affected, this is a crucial issue. 

Karen Ousey, Chair

Download the full consensus document below

Disclaimer: This document has been developed by Wounds UK and supported by MEDIQ
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