Palpebro-orbital Myiasis in a Patient with Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose We report a patient with basal cell carcinoma presenting with severe myiasis in a large ulcer involving the upper and lower eyelid. Methods Myiasis is an infestation of vertebrate animals by larvae of certain fly species. About 70 larvae were removed manually. A biopsy of the tissue underneath demonstrated a basal cell carcinoma. The myiasis was produced by the fly Lucilia sericata, currently used for treating chronic nonhealing ulcers. Because of the stage of the carcinoma, an orbital exenteration was carried out. Results The patient died 2 days later because of cardiopulmonary failure not related to the myiasis. Conclusions We present a case of a severe orbital myiasis focusing on its management and life-threatening nature.