Squamous cell carcinoma in situ

Synonym:

Bowen's disease

Squamous cell carcinoma in situ is a usually well demarcated erythematous scaling patch or plaque.
Lesions on mucosal surfaces are generally without scale and can be bright red in color. In other areas, there may be significant scaling present. Color can vary from pink to red.
A similar condition microscopically which needs to be differentiated is bowenoid papulosis, which is commonly secondary to an oncogenic human papilloma virus infection.
Bowen's disease can be secondary to sun damage or to previous arsenic exposure. When secondary to arsenic exposure, hyperkeratotic punctate lesions are commonly present on the palms and soles.
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the glands penis is also known as erythroplasia of Queyrat.

Treatment:

• PDT, photodynamic therapy, has been shown to be comparable with response from the use of cryotherapy.
• Laser ablation with CO2 laser can be used
• Mohs surgery is recommended for large lesions, those that recur, or where the preservation of surrounding normal skin is important.

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