Noma

Alternative names:

cancrum oris; gangrenous stomatitis

Definition:

A disorder that destroys mucus membranes of the mouth (and later, other tissues) that occurs in malnourished children in areas of poor cleanliness.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Noma is a disorder that causes sudden, rapidly progressive tissue destruction. The mucus membranes (e.g., gums, lining of the cheeks) become inflamed and develop ulcers. The infection spreads from the mucus membranes to the skin. The tissues in the lips and cheeks die. Rapid, painless tissue breakdown continues and this gangrenous process can destroy the soft tissue and bone. Noma can also affect the mucus membranes of the genitals, spreading to the genital skin (this is sometimes called noma pudendi).

This disorder occurs in young, severely malnourished children. It is seen in areas of poor cleanliness and sanitation. The exact cause is unknown, but may be bacterial. Noma sometimes is a complication of other disorders such as measles or leukemia.

Risk factors include Kwashiorkor and other forms of severe malnutrition, poor sanitation and poor cleanliness, disorders such as measles or leukemia, and living in an underdeveloped country.