It’s estimated that between 1 in 20 to 1 in 30 people with untreated Bowen’s disease develop SCC, and although squamous cell skin cancer is often treatable, it can spread deeper into the body and is sometimes very serious.
The lesions, or ‘patches’ caused by Bowen’s disease tend to grow very slowly over months or years, and may present similarly to other skin conditions, like psoriasis or eczema, so this is why suspected pre-cancerous lesions should always be checked by a medical expert.
Bowen's Disease
It’s estimated that between 1 in 20 to 1 in 30 people with untreated Bowen’s disease develop SCC, and although squamous cell skin cancer is often treatable, it can spread deeper into the body and is sometimes very serious.
Symptoms of Bowen’s Disease
It is possible to have more than a single patch, and it may look like other skin conditions, like psoriasis or eczema, so it is important to get any suspicious growths checked out by your GP.
A Bowen’s disease lesion can be;
- Red, pink or sometimes brownish in hue
- Scaly or crusty in texture
- Either flat or raised
- Up to a few centimetres wide
- Itchy, but it doesn’t need to be itchy all the time
Bowen’s disease lesions can appear on skin anywhere on the body, but they are especially common on areas that are exposed to UV light, like the lower legs, neck and head.
Sometimes they can affect the groin area, and lesions that appear on the genitals can cause other problems. In that area, Bowen’s disease may be called one of the following:
Bowenoid papulosis
Penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
Some signs that a Bowen’s disease patch has turned into SCC are if;
- The lesion bleeds, either regularly or intermittently;
- The lesion changes, turning into an open sore (also called an ulcer);
- The lesion develops swelling or a hard lump.
It is vital that patients worried about a lesion visit their GPs, who are often able to diagnose pre-cancerous lesions. The GP may refer the patient to a dermatologist for treatment – which may include a biopsy – if they feel it is appropriate.
Whether or not a patient has had previous skin cancer or suspicious growths, it is important for individuals to self-monitor for any changes, and follow up with their GP, especially if they are at higher risk, have been asked to keep an eye on a lesion, or have any concerns.
Causes of Bowen’s Disease
Bowen’s disease usually affects older people, typically over 60 years of age. It’s usually not genetic – although people may have a family history of skin cancers. The condition is non-infectious, meaning it can’t be transmitted to others.
Factors that may mean someone has an increased susceptibility to Bowen’s disease include;
- Previous skin cancer
- A family history of skin cancer
- Fair, or pale skin that burns easily
- Working outdoors
- Immunosuppression due to diseases that affect the immune system, such as HIV or leukaemia
- Immunosuppressive medication, such as methotrexate, ciclosporin and azathioprine
- Previous radiotherapy treatment
- The virus HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Historic arsenic poisoning
Patients can assist in managing their Bowen’s disease by self-monitoring their skin for any changes, undergoing annual follow-up appointments, and being vigilant against lifestyle factors that increase risk.
While adhering to sun awareness advice – for example, staying out of the sun (especially during midday hours) and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen – is best practice for everyone, patients who have previously had Bowen’s disease, other pre-cancerous lesions or non-melanoma skin cancers should take all precautions to avoid harmful UV rays. Staying in the shade, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors are all recommended.
Treatment of Bowen’s Disease at Derma
There are a number of treatment options for Bowen’s disease, and the dermatologist will help you identify which are suitable, and which option is best for you.
Some patients’ lesions can be treated with cryotherapy, in which liquid nitrogen is sprayed onto the affected area. Photodynamic therapy, also known as PDT uses a light source to destroy the abnormal cells. Each of these treatments may need to be repeated, depending on the individual patient.
Bowen’s disease can be treated by excision, and sometimes shave excision, which are relatively painless procedures that can be performed efficiently and effectively under local anaesthetic. Depending on insurance, treatment can be carried out the same day as the consultation.
Sometimes you can be prescribed a special cream that will deliver treatment to the lesion over the course of several weeks.
In a few cases, your dermatologist may advise monitoring your skin closely and making lifestyle changes, for example, if the lesion is very slow growing, and the effects of treatment would outweigh the benefits.
Please note that further tests – such as a biopsy – may be necessary. Follow-up appointments will be required to ensure that the Bowen’s lesion is properly treated, and your skin monitored for any changes, as pre-cancerous lesions is likely to indicate an increased susceptibility to non-melanoma skin cancer. Your dermatologist will discuss this with you and you’ll be able to ask any questions during your consultation.
We see and treat more skin cancer patients than any other doctors in Reading, so you can be assured that Derma will provide the very best care, the latest research and the most effective treatments.
Related Specialists at Derma
Dr Charles Archer
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Charles Archer is a registered specialist with the GMC and his NHS Consultant post is split between The Royal Berkshire Hospitals and Oxford University Hospitals.
Dr Sanju Arianayagam
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Sanju Arianayagam is a Consultant Dermatologist and gained her dermatology experience at Cambridge University Hospitals, Oxford University Hospitals and the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Dr Rima Clayton
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Rima Clayton is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practises in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.
Dr Sabrina Khan
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Khan consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Dr Rachel Fisher
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Fisher consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Dr Inge Kreuser-Genis
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Kreuser-Genis is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practices in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.
Mr Andy Pay
Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Skin Cancer Surgeon
Andy is very experienced in the management of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, but also in the management of squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas and other skin and soft tissue tumours.
Dr John Reed
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr John Reed has been a UK trained consultant dermatologist and senior lecturer in Oxford since 2007