Also called squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Affects squamous cells (the outermost skin cells in the epidermis). Considered precancerous, with about 10% of cases becoming invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
Mostly affects Caucasians over 60. It is believed to affect men more than women.
Bowen's disease is neither contagious nor related to allergies. Although it is often mistaken for psoriasis or eczema. It can also resemble superficial basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, lichen planus, tinea corporis and extramammary Paget'sdisease. A biopsy can will give a definitive diagnosis of BD provided a deep enough sample is taken to distinguish it from basal cell carcinoma.
