Silvija Daugėlaitė¹
1Radviliškis Hospital, Radviliškis, Lithuania
Abstract
Background. Bowen disease (BD) is a precursor for an intraepidermal malignant tumor. Approximately 3-5 % of BD develops into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. BD mostly occurs in middle aged and older fair skin people, more common in women.
Aim. Review of current literature on etiology, diagnostics and management of Bowen disease.
Methods. Literature sources were selected from PubMed medical database to the following keyword combinations: Bowen disease, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, etiology, diagnosis, treatment.
Results. The risk factors are ultraviolet radiation, human papillomavirus, immunosuppression, carcinogens. Histopathology is the gold standard diagnostic method to confirm the diagnosis. Current possible treatment options: local fluorouracil and imiquimod, excision, Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, curettage (with cautery), lasers, photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy.
Conclusion. Due to the asymptomatic and non-specific manifestations of BD, clinical diagnosis is difficult. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical to improve the outcome of BD, but reducing UV exposure plays a critical role in reducing the incidence of BD and improving prognosis.
Keywords: Bowen disease, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, etiology, diagnosis, treatment.