Bowen's disease management: what to know

Bowen's disease is also called squamous cell carcinoma in situ. The abnormal cells are in the epidermis, the skin's outer layer. A clinician considers the lesion's size, number, surface, borders, body site, previous treatment, and your ability to care for the area when discussing options.

A biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis and check whether deeper invasion is present. Sun exposure can contribute to damaged skin, so examining nearby skin is useful; information on [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/) provides related context.

Treatment may involve [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/), [Topical 5-Fluorouracil](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-5-fluorouracil/), [Photodynamic Therapy](/treatments/laser-and-energy/photodynamic-therapy/), or another procedure chosen by your dermatologist. Cream treatment can cause redness and irritation while it acts; freezing can blister or crust as the skin heals. Do not pick a scab or change wound care instructions. Attend the planned review because a treated patch and nearby lesions both deserve attention.

Contact the treating clinic if the area shows spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, worsening pain, or fever after a procedure. Arrange a skin review if the patch remains, returns, thickens, bleeds, or develops a sore. A new lesion elsewhere also merits assessment, especially when it persists or changes.

Ask what the biopsy showed, why one treatment is preferred, what healing should look like, whether other lesions need examination, and how often follow-up is appropriate for your skin.