Scalp Myiasis Associated with Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Professor, Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center And Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Resident, Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran And Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine And Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Myiasis is a term derived from the Greek word ‘‘myia’’ which means fly. The flies deposit their eggs, which then hatch into larvae, which in turn infiltrate the tissue and destroy it. This disease is generally associated with traumatic injury, erosive or ulcerative lesions, or hemorrhage. However, the association with basal cell carcinoma has been extremely rare.Case Report: The patient is a 64-year-old woman, widow, living in a rural area, who was accompanied by her neighbour to the dermatology clinic. There is a large ulcerative and hemorrhagic area on the scalp which in some parts is covered by larvae (arrowheads). She did not suffer any pain but it smelled foul. Miyasis was treated by mechanical removal. The biopsy of the ulcerated area confirmed the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and the patient was referred to a plastic surgeon for resection and graft.Conclusion: It is said that incidental finding of myiasis may be actually of some benefit to the patient. The natural debridement performed by the larvae helps to keep the amount of necrotic tissue and the infection at a minimal level.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 29, Issue 173 - Serial Number 173
November and December 2012
Pages 3109-3112

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 March 2012
  • Revise Date: 30 April 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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