Nasal Myiasis Secondary to Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: The infestation of dipteran larvae, known as myiasis is a common dermatosis in tropical and subtropical countries and malignant skin lesions can be a predisposing factor. Objective: report a case of nasal myiasis secondary to a squamous cell carcinoma, diagnosed in the Maxillofacial Surgery Service of Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health at Roberto Santos General Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Case report: Male patient, 49 years old, Caucasian, presented ulcerative lesion with loss of skin and cartilage in the region of nasal dorsum and apex, and exposure of cartilage and nasal bones. The lesion presented everted, hardened and necrotic borders, was reddish and had larvae of diptera infestation. After the combined treatment of mechanical removal associated with the use of ivermectin 12mg/dia, an incisional biopsy was performed on the granulomatous border of the lesion, which showed histopathologic conclusive for squamous cell carcinoma well differentiated. Conclusion: The proposed treatment to eradicate the larvae proved to be effective in the case described, the biopsy performed for confirmation of suspected malignant lesion at the surgical approach of the patient was extremely important to establish a correct diagnosis and patient referral.