Orofacial Myiasis Associated With Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Resumen

Myiasis is a parasitic infestation in vertebrate animals caused by dipterous fly larvae that feed on living or necrotic tissue of their host. It is considered a rare pathology that is related to local, systemic and environmental predisposing factors. Few cases of oral myiasis related to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have been reported in the literature. Thus, it can be said that the frequency of this binomial is relatively low or underreported. Objective and case report: The present work aims to report the case of a 68-year-old patient, with psychiatric disorders, in a situation of abandonment, affected by orofacial myiasis associated with SCC. Furthermore, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment considered most appropriate. Discussion: The involvement of myiasis, in advanced stages, highlights a tissue destruction that can lead to severe functional sequelae, as in the reported case, which showed destruction of the lower and middle third of the right hemiface, leading to exposure of the oral cavity and compromising chewing and phonation, in addition to aesthetics. The association of myiasis with SCC increases the severity of both conditions by accelerating the process of destruction by larvae and increasing the severity of the carcinoma, a fact that was observed in the case reported. Treatment, even because of the rarity of the involvement, becomes challenging in these cases, since there are no well-established protocols in the literature, leading to the need for an accurate and individual assessment of the case to establish an appropriate therapy.  Conclusion: It is of utmost importance for health professionals to investigate any possible neoplastic lesion associated with myiasis. Due to the importance of this binomial, it should become part of the treatment protocol to perform biopsy of the lesion and, consequently, anatomopathological analysis.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/colleinternhealthscienv1-113