Ophthalmomyiasis Linked to Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid: A Comprehensive Systematic Review with Emphasis on Differential Diagnosis

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Published Apr 28, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v13i4.6504

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Main Article Content

Supriya Khardenavis
Specialty Doctor, Department of Ophthalmology Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry , Northern Ireland , United Kingdom BT47 6SB.
Girish Shivashankar
Consultant Nephrologist Divisional Clinical Director (DCD), Medicine and ED Altnagelvin Hospital Associate Medical Director Western HSC Trust, Londonderry , Northern Ireland , United Kingdom BT47 6SB.
Roisin Healy
Consultant Geriatrician, Department of Care of the Elderly & Stroke , Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom  BT47 6SB.
Rachel McDermott
Consultant Geriatrician, Department of Care of the Elderly & Stroke , Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom  BT47 6SB
Mazen Rizeq
Consultant Geriatrician, Department of Care of the Elderly & Stroke , Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom  BT47 6SB
Elizabeth Best
Specialty Doctor, Department of Care of the Elderly & Stroke , Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry , Northern Ireland, United Kingdom BT47 6SB.
Catherine O’Kane
Specialty Doctor, Department of Care of the Elderly & Stroke , Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry , Northern Ireland, United Kingdom BT47 6SB.
Anirudda Deshpande
Consultant Stroke Neurologist, Department of Care of the Elderly & Stroke, Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom BT47 6SB.

Abstract

Background: Ophthalmomyiasis, the parasitic infestation of the eye by fly larvae, is a rare but potentially vision-threatening condition. Its association with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the eyelid is exceedingly uncommon, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This systematic review explores the relationship between ophthalmomyiasis and eyelid BCC, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnostic pitfalls, and management strategies.  


Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using keywords including ophthalmomyiasis eyelid basal cell carcinoma and differential diagnosis. Studies reporting cases of ophthalmomyiasis with concurrent or underlying BCC were included. Data on demographics, clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and treatment outcomes were extracted and analyzed.  Results: Our review identified multiple cases of ophthalmomyiasis associated with eyelid BCC. 


Common presentations included eyelid ulceration, larva visibility, and periocular inflammation. Misdiagnosis as benign ulcers or infections was frequent, delaying appropriate intervention. Histopathological confirmation was critical in distinguishing BCC from other lesions. Treatment involved larval extraction followed by tumor excision, with favorable outcomes in most cases. 


Conclusion: Ophthalmomyiasis in the setting of eyelid BCC is a rare but clinically significant entity requiring a high index of suspicion. Accurate diagnosis hinges on histopathological evaluation and awareness of overlapping features. Early intervention improves prognosis, underscoring the need for systematic evaluation in atypical periocular infestations. This review highlights key diagnostic clues and advocates for multidisciplinary management in such complex cases. 

Keywords: Ophthalmomyiasis, basal cell carcinoma, eyelid tumors, parasitic infestation, differential diagnosis

Article Details

How to Cite
KHARDENAVIS, Supriya et al. Ophthalmomyiasis Linked to Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid: A Comprehensive Systematic Review with Emphasis on Differential Diagnosis. Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 13, n. 4, apr. 2025. ISSN 2375-1924. Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/6504>. Date accessed: 15 may 2025. doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v13i4.6504.
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Issue
Vol 13 No 4 (2025): Vol.13, Issue 4, April 2025
Section
Review Articles

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