Treatment of facial myiasis in an elderly patient with oral squamous cell carcinoma: Case report

Myiasis is caused by the infestation of fly larvae in human tissues and it presents immunodeficiency, poor hygiene, or malignant neoplasias as predisposing chronic diseases.

Objective: To describe a clinical case of myiasis associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in an elderly patient.

Case presentation: A 60-year-old male, black, smoker, and alcoholic patient with OSCC, who refused initial cancer treatment and sought hospital care with an extensive facial lesion and approximately 150 larvae in the extraoral region. The treatment was given through the administration of 6 mg of Ivermectin associated with the surgical removal of the larvae. Subsequently, palliative chemotherapy began.

Discussion: Myiasis can sometimes be associated with OSCC and it commonly occurs in individuals who live in unhealthy locations and present poor hygiene and low immunity. In addition to medication, the surgical removal of the larvae is important in the treatment of myiasis.

Conclusion: Patient adherence to cancer treatment is essential to avoid the negative evolution of the tumor. The social component linked to the development of myiasis makes it an important public health topic, as it is related directly to the lack of primary care. Surgical and drug treatments are required to cure myiasis.