Bowen Disease: A Precursor to Skin Cancer

Understanding the Disease

Bowen disease is a pre-cancerous condition that affects the skin. It is characterized by the formation of scaly, red patches on the skin, which can progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) if left untreated.

Causes of Bowen Disease

The exact cause of Bowen disease is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including: * Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation * Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection * Weakened immune system

UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, which can lead to the development of Bowen disease. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can also cause Bowen disease. A weakened immune system makes the body less able to fight off the development of skin cancer.

Symptoms of Bowen Disease

Bowen disease usually appears as a single or multiple patches of red, scaly skin. The patches can vary in size and shape, and they may be itchy or painful. They most commonly occur on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs.

Treatment of Bowen Disease

Bowen disease can be treated with a variety of methods, including: * Cryotherapy (freezing the lesions) * Laser therapy * Surgery * Topical medications

The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of the lesions. Early diagnosis and treatment of Bowen disease is important to prevent the development of SCC.