MUCORMYCOSIS IN HEAD, NECK AND FACE REGION
Author(s): Netal Rathi*, Bhairavi Kale and Anjali Borle
Abstract
Mucormycosis is an opportunistic, rare fungal infection which majorly affects immune competent individuals especially in uncontrolled diabetics. Rarely, this condition affects healthy individuals. Rhizopus oryzae is the major causative organism. Cutaneous, gastrointestinal, disseminated, pulmonary, rhino cerebral are various types of mucormycosis. Rhino cerebral mucormycosis accounts for approximately half of all the newly reported cases. There have been increases in rhino cerebral mucormycosis cases in patients suffering from Coronavirus disease 2019.
Mucormycosis in the oral cavity manifests as palatal ulcers or the necrosis of the jaw bones. Many cases of oral mucormycosis following the tooth extraction have been observed in the patients having low immunity. Clinical observation, radiographic details, by cultivating the organism and by histologic examination of specimens is some of the factors used in making a proper diagnosis. Antifungal therapy with amphotericin B deoxycholate is suggested. Surgical debridement is needed in major cases. Bone grafting is advised if the disease causes necrosis of the jaw bones. Aggressive surgical treatment, including recurrent debridement and amphotericin B therapy increases the survival rate of these patients.