A persistent progressive non-elevated red scaly or crusted plaque which is due to an intradermal carcinoma and is potentially malignant. Atypical squamous cells proliferate through the whole thickness of the epidermis. The lesions may occur anywhere on the skin surface or on mucosal surfaces. The cause most frequently found is trivalent arsenic compounds. Freezing, cauterization or diathermy coagulation is often effective. (From Rook et al., Textbook of Dermatology, 4th ed, pp2428-9)
Entry Version
BOWENS DIS
Entry Term(s)
Bowen Disease
Public MeSH Note
91; was see under CARCINOMA, SQUAMOUS CELL 1981-90; was see under CARCINOMA, EPIDERMOID 1969-80
Online Note
search CARCINOMA, SQUAMOUS CELL 1969-74
History Note
91(75); was see under CARCINOMA, SQUAMOUS CELL 1981-90; was see under CARCINOMA, EPIDERMOID 1969-80
A persistent progressive non-elevated red scaly or crusted plaque which is due to an intradermal carcinoma and is potentially malignant. Atypical squamous cells proliferate through the whole thickness of the epidermis. The lesions may occur anywhere on the skin surface or on mucosal surfaces. The cause most frequently found is trivalent arsenic compounds. Freezing, cauterization or diathermy coagulation is often effective. (From Rook et al., Textbook of Dermatology, 4th ed, pp2428-9)
