Bowen's disease: Two case reports of a giant and dwarf lesions

Abstract

Bowen's disease is a form of intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It usually presents as a well-demarcated, slow growing erythematous patch, or plaque with a scaly or crusted surface. The size of the tumor varies from a few millimeters to several centimeters. The risk of progression into an invasive carcinoma is 3-5% in extragenital lesions and about 10% in genital lesions. We present two cases of Bowen's disease where the pattern, size, and perception of the disease between the patients varied. The two cases demonstrated two varying spectrum of the disease, one being a giant lesion and other a dwarf. One patient was more concerned about the lesion, whereas the other patient neglected the lesions, though widespread. High index of suspicion is required to diagnose such atypical presentations of Bowen's disease. As Bowen's disease has tendency to progress to SCC, it should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.