OBJECTIVE: The word “myiasis” is derived from the Greek myio (fly) and ase (disease), and describes the infestation of humans and vertebrate animals by the larvae of flies, which feed on healthy or dead tissues of the host. The diagnosis is clinical, based on the presence of worms, and its treatment consists of the total removal of these larvae. The authors report a case of surgical debridement as a safe alternative for the treatment of cavitary myiasis in the face. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient, a 58-year-old male, was admitted with a cavitary lesion on the face of the right side containing fly larvae. Surgical debridement was performed in two phases, with no use of drugs or less invasive maneuvers. Total remission of the condition was achieved, but the patient died due to a squamous cell carcinoma in the posterior region of the tongue and oropharynx, a month and a half after beginning oncologic treatment. CONCLUSION: The use of antiparasitic medication is controversial in the literature, as in specific situations this may put the patient’s life at risk. Prevention is still the best way to combat an infestation by myiasis. The authors report a case of myiasis cavitation in the face using only surgical debridement as treatment.
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