
STUDY NOTES βοΈ
Cancrum oris is a special type of gangrene.
Causes:
π Malnourishment.
π Major diseases like diptheria, Whooping cough, measles, kala azar, typhoid, etc.
π These factors lead to invasion of opportunistic organisms like the Vincent’s organisms – Borrelia vincentii and fusiforms causing ulcerations, erosions and eventually fibrosis.
Clinical Presentation:
π©ββοΈ It is an extensive ulcerative disease of the cheek mucosa usually occuring in malnourished children.
π¨ββοΈ As the disease progresses, there may be complete reduction of the cheek thickness.
Treatment:
π Ryle’s tube feeding.
π Improve the nutrition.
π Appropriate antibiotics: Metronidazole 400mg thrice daily for 7-10 days.
π Surgical reconstruction of the cheek.
Complications:
β οΈ Fibrosis leading to restricted movement of the jaw.
β οΈ Sepsis, toxaemia and death.
SOURCE: Manipal Manual of Surgery (3rd edition)
~SunanthaβοΈ