gms | German Medical Science

Cancrum oris, also known as Noma or Gangreneous Stomatitis is a devastating disease of the alnourished children. It is a rapidly progressive opportunistic infection chacterised by destructive process of the Oro-facial tissues. It is considered relatively rare in developed countries but is seen to occur in Asian subcontinent, Sub Saharan Countries and parts of South America.

The opportunistic Pathogens include Fusobacterium Necrophorum and a consortium of other microorganisms. It is prevalent amongst children with Malnutrition, poor oral hygiene, poor sanitation and debilitating conditions, maxillofacial trauma.

The treatment of the condition should be early and very aggressive .Local wound care, antibiotics, correction of Malnutrition, hydration etc are the main stay of the treatment. Reconstruction of the the orofacial defects remains a challenge to any reconstructive surgeon.

This paper intends to throw light upon this potentially devastating condition, and its emphasise the need for developed countries to recognize NOMA as global menace and also take pre-emptive measures on a larger scale to prevent and eradicate the incidence of the disease.

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