Bowen's disease

Question 1

Define Bowen’s disease.

Answer 1

A rare skin cancer in very early stages. Generally slow growing but can progress to SCC if left untreated.

Question 2

What is the aetiology of Bowen’s disease? What are risk factors for Bowen’s disease?

Answer 2

Increased age >60

UVB 290-320nm

HPV 16, 18, 34, and 48

Males

Occurs and is restricted to the epidermal layer of the skin

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of Bowen’s disease.

Answer 3

Very rare

Question 4

What are signs and symptoms of Bowen’s disease?

Answer 4

Slow-growing, persistent reddish-brown patch or plaque of dry, scaly skin.

Flat or slightly raised lesions

Pruitic

Pus

Bleeding lesions

Crusty lesions

Question 5

What are investigations for Bowen’s disease?

Answer 5

CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS

Dermoscopy

Skin biopsy

Question 6

What is the management for Bowen’s disease?

Answer 6

Topical chemotherapy

Cryotherapy

Curettage

Photodynamic therapy

Surgery

Treatment depends on location and size of Bowen’s disease.

Question 7

What are the complications of Bowen’s disease? What is the prognosis of Bowen’s disease?

Answer 7

Can progress to SCC if left untreated.

Prognosis is generally good but can reoccur.