Bowen's disease of the penis treated with topical imiquimod 5% cream

Abstract

Bowen's disease of the penis is relatively uncommon, but the prevalence has increased in recent years. Risk factors for penile squamous cell cancer include smoking, infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), immunosuppression, and a history of conditions such as balanitis, phimosis, and lichen sclerosis et atrophicus. Bowen's disease of the penis is often managed by local excision of the lesion. Less invasive methods are now employed more frequently and include laser ablation, electrodessication and curettage, cryosurgery, application of5-fluorouracil, and topical imiquimod 5% cream. This case report describes the successful treatment of Bowen's disease of the penis with topical imiquimod 5% cream in a 42-year-old African American male with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease.