Cancrum oris in developed countries
Silvia Chiandussi1, Roberto Luzzati2, Giancarlo Tirelli3, Roberto Di Lenarda1 and Matteo Biasotto1
1School of Dental Sciences, 2Unit of Infectious Diseases, 3Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy

Cancrum oris (or noma) is a rapidly progressive disease characterized by destructive necrosis of oral tissues and underlying bone. It is part of a multistage condition and may represent the outcome of untreated necrotizing stomatitis. Necrotising stomatitis and cancrum oris predominantly affect children in developing countries, especially in Africa. Only few cases have been reported in developed countries, and were associated with debilitating diseases and disorders of the immune system. We report a case of noma in an elderly immunosuppressed Italian patient in whom necrosis caused an external buccal communication. This case stresses the importance of an early identification and prompt management of the necrotic condition, in order to avoid diffusion of the destructive process within the oro-facial tissues. (Aging Clin Exp Res 2009; 21: 475-477) ©2009, Editrice Kurtis

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