NM SCancers: BOWEN’S DISEASE (SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN SITU)

Question 1

BOWEN’S DISEASE (SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN SITU)

Clinical Feature

Answer 1

sharply demarcated erythematous patch/thin plaque with scale and/or crusting
• often 1-3 cm in diameter and found on the skin and mucous membranes

Question 2

BOWEN’S DISEASE (SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN SITU) Prevalence

Answer 2

evolves to SCC in 10-20% of cutaneous lesions and >20% of mucosal lesions

Question 3

BOWEN’S DISEASE (SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN SITU) Management

Answer 3

• same as for BCC
• biopsy required for diagnosis
• cryosurgery
• shave excision with electrodessication and curettage

Question 4

BOWEN’S DISEASE (SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN SITU) Topical Measures

Answer 4

topical 5-fluorouracil (Efudex®) or imiquimod (Aldara®) used if extensive and as a tool to identify
margins of poorly defined tumours