Rhinocerebral mucormycosis, also known as zygomycosis or phycomycosis, is an acute fungal disease characterized by agonizing complications and a very high mortality rate. The causative fungal species is from the order Mucorales, with the most common genera being Mucor, Rhizopus, Absidia, or Apophysomyces. The fungi are ubiquitous, found in soil, manure, plants, and decaying materials. The organisms colonize the oral mucosa, nose, paranasal sinuses, and pharynx. Inhalation is the natural source of infection, which begins in the nose and progresses through the paranasal sinuses, invading the orbit and eventually involving the intracranial structures either by direct extension or through blood vessels. A necrotic ulcer with a black eschar affecting the hard palate is one of the major oral signs. In addition to the palate, the disease also affects other areas such as the alveolar margin, lips, cheeks, tongue, and mandible. Historically, although these infections have occurred in patients with immunocompromised medical status, they have also recently been found in otherwise healthy individuals. A thorough knowledge of changes in trends of epidemiology and behavior of this invasive fungal infection is particularly important while devising effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We present a case series of 3 immunocompetent patients to share the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges encountered by us in managing this potentially fatal disease.

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