General Information About Bowen's Disease
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is Stage 0 of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the skin, where the cancerous changes starting in skin cells have not descended into the deeper tissues of the skin (dermis) and have not acquired the ability to spread (metastasize).
The biggest cause is unprotected exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays over the years. Additionally, contact with arsenic, HPV infections, and conditions that suppress the immune system increase the risk.
They are persistent lesions on the skin that resemble eczema or psoriasis, slowly expanding, red, covered with hard crusts or scales, which may bleed but do not itch.
Although the cancer is currently confined to the surface; if not intervened with, it can break through the skin barrier over the years and turn into a dangerous skin cancer that infiltrates deep tissues and spreads to the lymph nodes.
A dermatology specialist examines the spot with a dermatoscope device. For a definitive diagnosis, a small piece is cut from the lesion (skin biopsy) and the cellular change is examined in a pathology laboratory.
Since it is a superficial cancer, its treatment is highly successful. The patient is completely cured by freezing the cells with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy), special creams that destroy cancer cells (5-Fluorouracil), laser (photodynamic therapy), or surgical excision of the lesion.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
