Phycomaxilla- a rare case report

A compromised immune status can allow the growth of opportunistic pathogens to invade the body. Phycomycosis is an invasive fungal disease affecting the structures of the skin, air sinuses, orbit, and the brain. The leading predisposing factors include uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, lymphoma, leukemia, renal failure, organ transplant, long-term intake of corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapy and AIDS. The signs and symptoms of intraoral phycomycosis are uncertain. We present an ideal case of phycomycosis with classical features involving the maxilla, invading deep into the zygomatic process and the lower border of orbit in a chronic uncontrolled hyperglycemic patient. The fulminant, non-specific nature of the disease makes the diagnosis and management quite challenging. Treatment includes a combination of surgical debridement of the necrotic debris along with administration of systemic antifungal drugs like Amphotericin, Posaconazole.