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Skin/ Wound Care
Reviewed: December 2006
There are a number of skin symptoms that can accompany cancer, AIDS, sickle cell disease, and other illnesses. Such skin problems include dryness, rash, itching, sores, ulcers, and swelling. It is important for you to be aware of skin problems so that they can be treated as quickly as possible in order to reduce discomfort and the risk of infection.
Skin Lesions - What are They?
- It is estimated that between 5-10% of all individuals with cancer will experience a malignant wound.
- The presence of a chronic wound can be a significant burden to any person but when it is related to cancerous infiltration of the skin, it can be a constant reminder of disease progression.
- Malignant wounds present challenging management issues such as odour, exudate, bleeding and pain.
- Every malignant wound is unique. Some individuals will have many of the above symptoms and others, only a few.
- Wounds that have a foul odour and/or leak may be a reason for withdrawing from social activities.
- Each person responds individually to having such a wound, the consequences of which impinge on physical, psychological, social, and sexual as well as spiritual wellbeing.
How Do They Happen?
- 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.
- Most commonly arise from cancer of the breast or head and neck, melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma and some cancers of the genitourinary system.
- Usually occurs via the lymphatics, bloodstream, or directly from the primary lesion. As the tumour infiltrates the skin, ulcerating and fungating wounds develop.
- 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.
The BC Cancer Agency maintains a database on commonly used unconventional therapies available to cancer patients.
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