Hansen JP et al. - In a study to characterize the demographics, distribution, treatment, and recurrence risk of Bowen's disease (BD) in a university population, it was found that the most common locations for BD were in areas with high sun exposure. Multiple treatment options are available and recurrence is uncommon. Margin control surgery should be considered for tumors in high-risk areas Methods
A retrospective survey of histologically confirmed BD diagnosed between January 1999 and January 2003 was done
Results
299 pts (193 men, 106 women) with 406 cases of BD were identified
Most common sites were the upper extremities (27%), ears (15%), and cheeks (11%)
Men were significantly more likely to have squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ on the scalp, ear, and anterior trunk, while the cheek, nose, and lower legs were significantly more common sites among women
An office-based procedural treatment was performed in 92% of cases
Elliptical excision was the most common treatment modality (27%) followed by Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS; 20%) and then shave excision (19%)
Histologic recurrence was seen in 4% of cases, 1 of which recurred as invasive SCC
Cryotherapy was associated with the highest recurrence rate (5-year recurrence of 13.4%), followed by topical 5-fluorouracil (9%) and shave excision (9%)
Curettage and fulguration, MMS, and elliptical excision had lower 5-year recurrence rates
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