What are the treatment options for Bowen's disease?

Bowen's disease, also called squamous cell carcinoma in situ, is confined to the top layer of skin but can need active treatment. A dermatologist considers the lesion's size, number, thickness, location, edge definition and whether the area has been treated before. A sample may be reviewed when the diagnosis or depth is uncertain.

Cryotherapy uses controlled cold to destroy a selected lesion. Photodynamic therapy applies a light-sensitive medicine followed by specific light, which can be useful when treating a wider or cosmetically sensitive area. Topical 5-fluorouracil is a prescription cream that targets abnormal surface cells over a planned course.

Arrange a skin examination rather than picking, cutting or repeatedly treating the patch yourself. Tell the clinician about medicines, pregnancy or plans for pregnancy, immune conditions and previous skin treatments. Follow wound-care instructions after freezing or light treatment, and apply topical medicine only to the area and schedule prescribed. Sun protection helps treated skin recover and reduces further ultraviolet exposure.

Seek prompt dermatology review if a treated patch continues to enlarge, becomes thick or tender, bleeds, forms an ulcer, or develops a new persistent change. Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus or fever after treatment can indicate infection and needs medical assessment. A rapidly changing lesion should not wait for a routine cosmetic appointment.

Ask which treatment fits the lesion's site and thickness, how the area should look while healing, whether a biopsy is needed, and how follow-up will check for remaining or new abnormal skin.