An interesting case of adult facial gangrene (from Papua, New Guinea)

A case of a nomalike lesion occurring in an elderly woman is described. The patient was admitted to the hospital in a debilitated state and was undergoing supportive management when the facial condition developed. Because of the rapidly progressing nature of the lesion, apparently emanating from the alveolar soft tissues, a diagnosis of cancrum oris was made. Although progression of the lesion was halted following institution of an appropriate therapeutic regimen, the patient's general condition deteriorated and she finally died 12 days after admission. The exact nature of the underlying systemic condition was never diagnosed.