Transcatheter embolisation to control severe bleeding in fungating breast cancer

Abstract

Severe and recurrent haemorrhage from ulcerating breast or skin lesions was controlled in seven of nine women with breast cancer. Arterial catheterisation and embolisation with a variety of materials (gelfoam, polyvinyl alcohol, steel coils, 50% dextrose) was used. Local anaesthesia only was needed, allowing very ill patients to be treated. This approach is the treatment of choice for severe haemorrhage in breast cancer.