Why Do Tumours Fungating?

What are fungating tumors? Often referred to as ulcerated cancer wounds, fungating tumors are tumors that grow to the point that they break through the skin. The growth of cancer beneath the skin blocks blood vessels and oxygen supply to the affected area, ultimately causing the infection and ulceration.

What causes a Fungating tumor?

Fungating malignant wounds are caused by the infiltration of the skin and its supporting blood and lymph vessels by a local tumour, or result from metastatic spread from a primary tumour.

How common are Fungating tumors?

Although 5% to 10% of individuals with cancer will develop a fungating wound,⁴ this type of wound primarily occurs in individuals age 70 years and older. The breast is the most common site of fungating wounds (62%); however, these wounds may develop on various parts of the body.