Advanced breast cancer can present with bleeding tumors that are difficult to control using traditional techniques. The use of topical agents has been reported in the local management of bleeding malignant tumors. We report a challenging case of persistent bleeding in a 40-year-old female patient with metastatic breast cancer, presenting with significant uncontrollable bleeding from the fungating breast tumor where conventional measures failed to halt blood loss. We report the successful hemostasis using Floseal (topical hemostatic agent) in combination with local dressing. We recommend that topical application of Floseal should be considered in the management of uncontrolled bleeding due to fungating malignant wounds. Liaising with tissue viability specialists is essential for optimum management and other symptom control. Larger scale comparative studies are needed to further explore these findings.

Hashim Abid is a resident doctor who qualified with MBChB at the University of Manchester, and possesses a portfolio that is geared towards publications, audit and quality improvement projects, and clinical research trials.