Rhinocerebral maxillary mucormycosis: A palatal ulcer

Abstract

Mucormycosis, caused by saprophytic fungi of the order Mucorales of the class zygomycetes, is a rare opportunistic fungal infection, which has a rapidly progressive and fulminant course with fatal outcome. Mucormycosis can result in an acute, rapidly advancing and occasionally fatal disease caused by different fungi typically found in the soil in association with decaying organic matter such as leaves, compost piles, or bread molds. Mucormycosis is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. We report a case of palatal perforation by rhino-maxillary mucormycosis in an immunocompromised patient. The patient was treated and had a good prognosis for such a fatal condition.