Bowen’s disease is a type of early skin cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma in situ, which means the cancerous cells are confined to the outer layer of the skin and have not yet invaded deeper tissues. The symptoms of Bowen’s disease primarily involve changes in the skin’s appearance and texture, which can develop gradually over time.
The most common symptom is a persistent, slowly enlarging patch or plaque on the skin. This patch often looks red or pink and may have a scaly or crusty surface. It can be flat or slightly raised and usually has well-defined edges. The affected area might resemble a rash or eczema but does not improve with typical treatments for those conditions. The size of the lesion can vary, sometimes starting small and growing over weeks or months.
The surface of the lesion in Bowen’s disease is often rough or flaky, and it may feel dry or thickened compared to the surrounding skin. Some people notice slight itching or tenderness in the area, though pain is uncommon. Occasionally, the lesion might bleed or ooze if irritated or scratched, but this is not typical in the early stages.
Bowen’s disease can appear on any part of the body but is most frequently found on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, hands, and lower legs. It may also develop on covered areas, including the genital region. When it occurs in the genital area, it might cause more noticeable discomfort, such as itching or burning sensations.
Visually, the lesion can vary in color. While it is often reddish or pink, it may also appear brownish or grayish, especially in people with darker skin tones. The edges of the lesion are usually distinct, making the patch stand out clearly from the normal skin around it.
In some cases, multiple lesions may develop, either close together or scattered over different parts of the body. This can happen particularly in people with certain risk factors like prolonged sun exposure, immune suppression, or exposure to carcinogens such as arsenic.
Because Bowen’s disease is a form of skin cancer in its earliest stage, the lesion does not heal on its own and tends to persist or slowly worsen over time. Without treatment, there is a risk that the disease can progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma, which can penetrate deeper layers of the skin and potentially spread.
In summary, the symptoms of Bowen’s disease include:
– A persistent, slowly enlarging patch or plaque on the skin
– Red, pink, brown, or gray coloration
– Scaly, crusty, rough, or flaky surface texture
– Well-defined edges distinguishing it from surrounding skin
– Possible mild itching or tenderness
– Occasional bleeding or oozing if irritated
– Commonly found on sun-exposed areas but can appear anywhere
– Lesions that do not heal or respond to usual skin treatments
Recognizing these symptoms early is important because Bowen’s disease is highly treatable when caught in its initial stages. If you notice a patch of skin that fits this description and does not improve, it is advisable to seek evaluation by a healthcare professional, typically a dermatologist, who can confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
