INTRAEPITHELIAL CARCINOMA

Bowen’s disease is a disease that is characterized by single (rarely multiple) tumors on the skin. Tumors are localized in the superficial layer of the skin-epidermis. Since the germination of epidermal cancer in the surrounding neoplasm tissue is not noted, Bowen’s disease refers to precancerous conditions. However, in the absence of or incorrectly conducted treatment Bowen’s disease turns into invasive skin cancer with the formation of metastases and lesion of internal organs.

More common the elderly have Bowen’s disease, but sometimes it is diagnosed for young people.

Places of tumors’ site for Bowen's disease:

45% – palms;
15% of hands;
10% – mucous tunics.
10% – genital organs. Bowen’s disease is more often detected on the genitals at middle-aged and elderly men. Site of tumors is on the prepuce. Women’ genitals are rarely affected.

As most cancers or precancerous diseases, Bowen’s disease is diagnosed at the older age group and the main risk group are for patients older than 45 years. The disease is sited often on the skin of the head, in the mouth and genitals (men).

The main manifestation of Bowen’s disease is a visible neoplasm on the skin. Initially, only a reddish spot appears which has no clear boundaries. Subsequently, a growing plaque develops on its place, sometimes its peeling is noted. Then, wart growths appear, necrotic changes occur on the nearest areas of the skin, ulcers may occur. For accurate diagnosis, examination of the lesion site and taking a skin biopsy for histological examination are necessary.

The histological picture for Bowen’s disease fully corresponds to the changes in cells and tissues during squamous cell carcinoma of skin. However, Bowen’s disease is not
marked lesions of the dermis, tumors are located exclusively in the epidermis.

The choice of treatment for Bowen’s disease is performed taking into account the location of the tumor and its size.

The neoplasm oftern is surgically excised or removed by laser or cryodestruction and electrocoagulation methods. As a conservative treatment – cytostatic therapy is possible — the application of drugs that suppress tumor growth (cytostatics), or x-ray therapy.

Under timely treatment, the prognosis for Bowen’s disease is favorable. People who are older than 40 years for the appearance of any skin tumors should definitely visit a dermatologist or oncologist.

Undiagnosed Bowen’s disease always degenerates into squamous cell carcinoma – a tumor characterized by a high degree of invasiveness and a more severe prognosis.