Cancrum oris in an adult with human immunodeficiency virus infection: case report

Abstract

New cases of cancrum oris in adults are rare and there are no previous reports in the literature from Kenya. Since noma is related to factors associated with poverty and immunosuppression, reducing the incidence of noma can be achieved with improvement in socio-economic status of communities and prevention of HIV infection. An unusual case of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected a 49 year old female with a full thickness cheek defect following a recent cancrum oris infection is reported. The disfiguring defect was successfully reconstructed using a two staged delto-pectoral flap with a satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcome.