The evidence to support the choice of dressings for managing malignant wounds is often poor and heavily biased. New products need to be carefully and objectively evaluated and compared to a gold standard. Unfortunately, this evidence is often lacking and nurses are often required to be innovative and resourceful in their choice of dressings. The products for successfully managing malignant wounds are limited, and the sizes and configurations required for such wounds are not available. Management may include the use of a wide range of dressings together with stoma bags and continence products.

It is important when choosing a dressing regimen to discuss it with the patient to see what is important to them. What is most appropriate for the wound may not be what is best for the patient (Clark [24]). It is often a major challenge to dress wounds in an inconspicuous way that protects a patient's dignity and is socially acceptable to them. Bulky dressings should be avoided when possible, dressings that are skin toned may be more acceptable for a patient, and clothing should be used creatively to cover the affected area (Rogers [119]).

Malignant wounds are often dressed with two or more layers. The primary layer should be non‐adherent, not cause trauma on removal and allow the passage of moisture to the secondary layer. Following assessment of the wound it may be possible to leave the primary contact layer in situ for several days and change the outer dressing when required, which is more acceptable to the patient and also more cost‐effective (Benbow [17]). The secondary or subsequent layers should be highly absorbent, not bulky and as aesthetically acceptable as possible to the patient (McManus [92]). Ideally the dressings should be capable of being left in place for longer periods of time, reducing the discomfort and inconvenience for the patient of dressing changes (Alexander [5]).

When considering a dressing for a malignant wound the ideal dressing must fulfil the following functions: