29. Wounds in Cancer Patients

Oncology patients, due to the nature of their disease and the treatments they receive, are prone to developing a series of complications, including wounds. These sores can be the direct result of the cancer, like malignant sores, or they can be a side effect of treatment, like sores caused by radiotherapy or surgery.

Evil Wounds

Malignant wounds are caused by tumor growth in skin tissue. These sores can be painful, they can bleed, and they can easily become infected. The treatment of these wounds is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The main goal is to relieve pain and discomfort, prevent or treat infections, and minimize odor.

Wounds from Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a common form of treatment for many types of cancer. However, radiation can damage the healthy skin around the tumor, causing sores. These sores are usually red, painful, and can become open sores if not treated properly. Treatment of these wounds involves the use of dressing products that keep the wound moist and protect the surrounding skin.

Wounds from Surgery

Surgery is another common form of treatment for cancer. Surgical wounds can become complicated by infection or dehiscence (separation of the wound edges), which can delay healing. Proper wound care after surgery is essential to prevent these complications.

Wound Treatment in Cancer Patients

The treatment of wounds in cancer patients must be personalized for each patient, taking into account the type of wound, location, size, stage of cancer and the general state of health of the patient. Treatment may include a combination of wound cleansing, dressings, medications to relieve pain and prevent or treat infections, and adjunctive therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy or low-level laser therapy.

Cleaning the Wound

Wound cleaning is an important step in the care of any wound. This helps remove debris, bacteria, and dead tissue that can delay healing. Cleaning must be done carefully to avoid further damage to the wound. The use of mild cleaning solutions such as normal saline is generally recommended.

Bandages

The type of dressing used depends on the type and condition of the wound. Dressings should keep the wound moist, protect the wound from damage and infection, and absorb any exudate. There are many different types of dressings available including foam dressings, hydrogel dressings, alginate dressings and clear film dressings.

Medicines

Medicines can be used to relieve pain and prevent or treat infections. The type of medicine used depends on the condition of the wound and the patient. Topical antibiotics can be used to treat superficial infections, while systemic antibiotics may be needed for deeper infections. Analgesics can be administered locally to the wound or systemically, depending on the level of pain.

Adjuvant Therapies

Adjuvant therapies can be used in combination with traditional treatments to improve wound healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, for example, can increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and promote healing. Low-level laser therapy can stimulate healing by increasing cellular activity.

In conclusion, the treatment of wounds in cancer patients is a challenge that requires a personalized and multidisciplinary approach. The main purpose is to relieve pain and discomfort, prevent or treat infections, and promote wound healing. Proper wound care can significantly improve the quality of life for these patients.