[Anaerobic infections in ulcerating tumors of the head and neck. A contribution to the problem of odors].

Incurable exulcerated head and neck tumours frequently produce a foul odour which is a great problem for patients, nurses and family of patients. This odour is a sign of anaerobic infection in necrotic tumours. Bacteriological examinations in fifteen patients with tumours of the oral cavity, the oropharynx and with recurrent tumours of the hypopharynx and larynx showed anaerobic bacteria. Bacteroides melaninogenicus, B. oralis, B. bivius, Peptococcus and Fusobacterium were most frequently represented. Five cases showed mixed aerobic-anaerobic infections. Foul odour disappeared regularly after a short time by antianaerobic chemotherapy (clindamycin or metronidazole). Foetor is evidently caused by microbial activity of anaerobic bacteria in secondary infected tumours. Antibiotic treatment directed strictly against anaerobes helps to improve quality of life of patients with advanced head and neck cancer with regard to foetor.