Does cryotherapy treat Bowen's disease?

Bowen's disease, also called squamous cell carcinoma in situ, involves abnormal cells limited to the outer skin layer. Cryotherapy freezes a selected lesion so the damaged tissue can shed during healing. It may be suitable for some clearly defined, thinner lesions, but it is not automatically appropriate for every site or appearance. A biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, especially when a patch is thick, ulcerated, recurrent, or uncertain. The aim is to clear the lesion while preserving healthy surrounding skin.

Arrange assessment with a dermatologist and bring details of how long the patch has been present, whether it has changed, and any prior treatment. Do not scrape or freeze it yourself. Depending on its size, depth, location, and previous behaviour, the clinician may discuss cryotherapy or another local treatment. Attend the planned review even if the surface looks healed, because the treated site needs confirmation of clearance.

Seek prompt review for bleeding, an open sore, rapid thickening, increasing tenderness, or a lesion that extends beyond its previous border. After treatment, report worsening redness, pus, fever, severe pain, or delayed healing. A patch that remains scaly or returns deserves reassessment because surface appearance alone cannot establish that Bowen's disease has cleared.

Ask whether a biopsy is required, why cryotherapy is suitable for this site, what other treatments could be considered, how clearance will be checked, and which changes should trigger an earlier appointment.