Understanding Bowen's Disease

What is Bowen's Disease?

Bowen's disease is a very early form of skin cancer that's confined to the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Medical professionals refer to it as squamous cell carcinoma in situ. The condition appears as slow-growing, red, scaly patches on the skin.

Key Characteristics

• Typically appears on sun-exposed areas
• Most common in people over 60
• More frequent in women than men
• Usually not life-threatening if treated early

Common Symptoms

• Red or pink patches
• Scaly or crusty appearance
• Flat or slightly raised areas
• Well-defined edges
• Usually painless
• Can be itchy in some cases

Risk Factors

1. Prolonged sun exposure
2. Previous radiotherapy treatment
3. Weakened immune system
4. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
5. Fair skin

Treatment Options

Non-surgical Treatments

• Topical chemotherapy creams
• Photodynamic therapy
• Cryotherapy (freezing)

Surgical Options

• Curettage and cautery
• Surgical excision

Prevention

• Use sunscreen regularly
• Wear protective clothing
• Avoid peak sun hours
• Regular skin checks

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult your healthcare provider if you notice:

• New skin patches that don't heal
• Changes in existing patches
• Bleeding or ulceration

Prognosis

With proper treatment, the outlook is excellent. However, regular monitoring is important as there's a small risk of progression to invasive skin cancer if left untreated.