Formalin application therapy under the concept of “natural-end cancer” for the treatment of a very old patient with parotid gland cancer

Abstract

We performed formalin application therapy under the concept of Tenju-gann or “natural-end cancer” for the treatment of a very old patient with parotid gland cancer who had given up complete curative treatment such as operations for chronic pulmonary insufficiency. The formalin application therapy controlled exudation and hemorrhaging of the skin surface, and it alleviated unpleasant symptoms. The concept of “natural-end cancer” and an explanation of the term facilitated informed consent. We conclude that the concept of natural-end cancer and non-aggressive treatment for maintaining quality of life is acceptable for some patients with head and neck cancer.