This 93 yo woman has a biopsy proven SCC of her scalp. She has congestive heart failure, anemia and has recently been hospitalized for pneumonia. She lives alone and mentally is sharp. She has had a number of other SCCs and BCCs in the past.
O/E: 4 x 3 cm erosive lesion on scalp. First picture is before debridement and second after.
Question: What is the best approach to maximize her quality of life?
Reference:
1. Oto Open. 2022 Feb 8;6(1):2473974X211073306.
O’Neill L. Malignant Fungating Wounds of the Head and Neck: Management and Antibiotic Stewardship. Full Free Text
Malignant fungating wounds (MFWs) are unfortunate and underreported manifestations of some advanced head and neck cancers. The management of MFWs is complex and challenging. MFWs are often mistaken for infectious processes/abscesses and treated indiscriminately with oral or intravenous antibiotics. Our aim is to promote awareness of MFWs and provide education on their management.
