Bowen’s Disease

Summary

Bowen's Disease is a skin cancer living on the outside of the body where it can do no harm.
Over ten years, 10-20% will invade into the body.
A range of treatments are used, depending on individual needs.

What Causes Bowen's Disease?

Bowen's Disease is caused by the cumulative effect of ultraviolet light upon the DNA in skin cells.

What Is Bowen's Disease?

Bowen's disease is a pre-cancer. The abnormal cells are confined to the outer layer of the skin. While the cells remain in the outer layer of the skin, the disease will not spread to other parts of the body.

What will happen to Bowen's Disease?

Over a ten-year period, 10-20% of areas of Bowen's disease will turn into a squamous cell carcinoma. If this happens, the area thickens, ulcerates or starts to bleed or weep regularly. At this stage, it must be treated.

How Can Bowen's Disease Be Treated?

Surgery is the gold standard treatment. Photodynamic therapy leaves a better cosmetic result and is a better treatment when the skin is thin and delicate.

Efudix cream, cryotherapy and Aldara cream can be most practical than photodynamic therapy but the side-effects of these treatments are more severe and last longer.

How Can Bowen's Disease Be Prevented?

Wearing a sunscreen may help. 3ml of sunscreen with SPF 20 and *** to **** UVA protection should be applied to each lower leg every morning. Sunscreens containing mexoryl are amongst the least white available.