A survey of cases of cancrum oris seen in Ile‐Ife, Nigeria

Summary. Aim. To review the records of child patients with cancrum oris who presented at a teaching hospital in Nigeria. Setting. Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile‐Ife, Nigeria. Sample and methods. The study was carried out through review of records of child patients diagnosed as having cancrum oris or post‐cancrum oris defects between 1982 and 1996. Age, gender, site distribution, treatment and its outcome were recorded. Results. One hundred and forty‐two cases were diagnosed during the study period. Mean age was 4·65 years (range 2–16 years). The maxillary quadrants were affected more often than the mandibular. Seventeen patients completed treatment satisfactorily, but 55 failed to do so. All patients had evidence of malnutrition. Conclusions. The findings of this and other studies demonstrate the need for major initiatives to address the underlying causes of cancrum oris and to promote the utilization of health care.