Case of Wound Myiasis in a Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lesion of the Scalp

Abstract

Myiasis refers to the infestation of living humans and vertebrate animals by dipterous larvae. Many organs can be infested by fly larvae, but cutaneous and wound myiases are the most frequently encountered clinical forms. Persistent ulcer or non-healing wound is one of the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma which is the second most common skin cancer in the world. Here we report a case of an elderly man with a severe wound myiasis in a squamous cell carcinoma lesion of the scalp. The maggots were confirmed to be Lucilia sericata which are widespread flies in Japan. Human myiasis is rarely reported in Japan, but patients with necrotic, hemorrhaging, or pus-filled wounds are susceptible to infestation. It is necessary for doctors and nurses to ensure that their patients change their dressings daily and keep their wounds clean.