Updated: January 2001

The "Malignant Wound Care Guidelines" were developed to provide direction for the care of malignant wounds to meet the goals which follow. They are to be used with the reference manual "Caring for Oncology Wounds: Management Guidelines" Barton and Parslow (1998). To order a copy please call: 1.800.465.6302.

The guidelines are based on current practice and research in the area and are reviewed and updated on a yearly basis.

An ulcerating malignant skin lesion is a cancerous lesion involving the skin, which is open and may be draining. The lesion may be a result of a primary cancer, or a metastasis to the skin from a local tumour or from a tumour in a distant site. It may take the form of a cavity, an open area on the surface of the skin, skin nodules, or a nodular growth extending from the surface of the skin.