Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the skin

Question 1

What is Bowen’s disease?

Answer 1

Bowen’s disease is a type of precancerous dermatosis that is a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma. It is more common in elderly patients.

Question 2

What is the risk of developing invasive skin cancer if Bowen’s disease is left untreated?

Answer 2

There is around a 5-10% chance of developing invasive skin cancer if left untreated.

Question 3

What are the features of Bowen’s disease?

Answer 3

Features include red, scaly patches that are often 10-15 mm in size, slow-growing, and often occur on sun-exposed areas such as the head and neck, lower limbs.

Question 4

How can Bowen’s disease be managed?

Answer 4

Management options include diagnosis and management in primary care, topical 5-fluorouracil, cryotherapy, and excision.

Question 5

What is the typical use of topical 5-fluorouracil in Bowen’s disease?

Answer 5

Topical 5-fluorouracil is typically used twice daily for 4 weeks.

It often results in significant inflammation/erythema, and topical steroids are often given to control this.