Bowen's Disease - Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

Bowen's disease typically presents as a gradually enlarging, well demarcated erythematous plaque with an irregular border and surface crusting or scaling. BD may occur at any age in adults but is rare before the age of 30 years - most patients are aged over 60. Any site may be affected, although involvement of palms or soles is uncommon. BD occurs predominantly in women (70-85% of cases). About 60-85% of patients have lesions on the lower leg, usually in previously or presently sun exposed areas of skin.

This is a persistent progressive non-elevated red scaly or crusted plaque which is due to an intraepidermal carcinoma and is potentially malignant. The lesions may occur anywhere on the skin surface or on mucosal surfaces. Freezing, cauterization or diathermy coagulation is often effective treatment.