A Systematic Review of Topical Treatments to Control the Odor of Malignant Fungating Wounds

Abstract

Of the 59 studies of odor, 20 fulfilled all the criteria for inclusion. Few studies of high quality were found, and the principal methodological flaws were the design of the studies, the sample size, and the absence of scales to measure odor. Grade B evidence for the treatment of MFW was found with topical metronidazole, Mesalt dressing, activated carbon dressing, and curcumin ointment.

The Potentials of Honey in Managing Breast Cancer Wounds: a Literature Review

“…These articles were written by various professionals, including nurses, oncologists, physicians, and biochemist from different parts of the world (Australia [17][18][19], Brazil [20], Denmark [21,22], New Zealand [23][24][25], Taiwan [26], Turkey [27], and United Kingdom [28]). Three articles are elements of a series to summarize the literature on malignant wounds in a holistic configuration to assist with practice decisions [17][18][19].…”

“…Five articles synthesize evidence of honey as topical treatments for wounds [23][24][25]27,28]. One article focuses on topical treatments for controlling odor in malignant wounds [20]. Of all 12 articles, only one specifically studied a particular group with breast cancer [21].…”

“…In addition, malignant wounds have the ability to develop progressively and often enlarge within 24 hrs which can cause massive cutaneous destruction and create ulcerating or proliferating ("fungating") appearance [17,20,26]. Moreover, even though every malignant tumor can metastasize to any region of the body, particular types of malignancies have a predilection for specific body sites.…”

“…Malignant wounds exemplify a range of symptoms that may present individually or collectively [20]. The major symptoms in malignant wounds discussed by most authors are as follows:…”

“…Pungent odor results from the metabolic process of bacteria cultivating in the necrotic tissue (particularly anaerobic bacteria such as Bacteroides and Clostridium species) that release volatile putrid fatty acids which furthermore combine with metabolic products of other proteolytic bacteria [18,20,22]. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry analysis of volatiles from fungating cancer wounds in a Japanese study resulted in the identification of dimethyl trisulfide as the source of malodor.…”