What are fungating tumours (ulcerating cancers)?

Fungating tumours are also sometimes called fungating wounds, ulcerating cancers, malignant wounds or ulcerating cancer wounds.

Symptoms of fungating tumours

The most common symptoms of a fungating tumour are a wound with an unpleasant smell, oozing, pain, itching or bleeding.  

Looking after fungating tumours

Specialist support is available to help you manage the symptoms of a fungating (ulcerating) tumour. 

Treatment for fungating tumours

The treatment for a fungating tumour depends on your type of cancer and any other treatments you have had. 

Coping with a fungating tumour

Having a fungating (ulcerating) tumour can affect you emotionally as well as physically. It can be hard to come to terms with the change in your body and how you see yourself.

Fungating tumour resources and support organisations

There are organisations and resources to help support you if you have a fungating tumour. 

Last reviewed: 
29 Jun 2023
Next review due: 
29 Jun 2026