New method using Mohs’ ointment for skin infiltration of head and neck cancer with refractory bleeding

Abstract

In cases of advanced head and neck cancer with skin infiltration or skin metastasis, the patientʼs quality of life declines because of symptoms such as bleeding, foul odor, severe pain, and exudation. Effective treatments are not yet available. Some studies have reported that Mohsʼ ointment, containing zinc chloride, can potentially chemically fix the tumor and suppress such harsh symptoms. In the present study, bleeding was controlled in patients with skin metastasis of oropharyngeal cancer by devising a procedure using Mohsʼ ointment and gauze, as it was difficult to achieve by the usual method of applying ointment directly to the tumor. We report some specific precautions and improved procedures for the use of Mohsʼ ointment on the head and neck.