Educational tips in the treatment of malignant ulcerating tumours of the skin

Coping with ulcerating or bleeding tumours or metastases of the skin that a re not suitable for curative or palliative treatment poses a problem for pa tients, doctors and nursing staff. Treatment should focus on limiting local and systemic infection, combating unpleasant odours and reducing bleeding. Palliative amputation is sometimes a reasonable option. Treatment depends on the nature and site of the tumour and should be tailored to and carried out in consultation with the patient, the treating specialist and the oncol ogy nursing team. The goal of treatment is to optimize the quality of life of patients in the terminal phase. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.