Treatment:

Mucormycosis is treated right away with surgery to remove all dead and infected tissue, along with intravenous (directly into a vein) antifungal therapy. Surgical removal of infected tissue may be disfiguring because it may involve removal of the palate, parts of the nose, or parts of the eye. Withoutt his aggressive surgery, however, chances of survival are greatly decreased.

Expectations (prognosis):

Mucormycosis has an extremely high mortality rate even with aggressive surgical intervention. Death rates range from 25 - 80% depending on the body area involved and the individual's underlying immune problems.

Complications:

• Blindness (if the optic nerve is involved)
• Clotting/blockage of brain or lung vessels (thrombosis)
• Death
• Loss of neurological function (nerve involvement)

Calling your health care provider:

People with immune disorders (including diabetes) should seek medical attention if they develop fever, headache, sinus pain, eye swelling, or any of the other symptoms listed above.