Managing tissue viability issues in patients with cancer approaching the end of life

This article provides an overview of tissue viability issues related to the care of patients with cancer who are approaching the end of life. Altered physiology as a result of various factors is identified, including nutrition, medication and radiotherapy. The article also discusses the presentation and treatment of cutaneous radiation injury, malignant wounds, pressure ulcers and Skin Changes At Life's End (SCALE – an acronym used to describe a set of clinical phenomena associated with changes to the skin of patients approaching the end of life), and makes recommendations for practice.