What is Bowen's disease

Bowen's disease is an early form of skin cancer, often considered a carcinoma in situ of squamous cell carcinoma. In simple terms, it is a cancer on the surface of the skin that has not yet invaded deeper into the tissues. Many people may think that the word cancer sounds scary, but if Bowen's disease is detected and treated in time, the prognosis is usually very good.

Bowen's disease usually appears as red or brown patches on the skin that may be slightly scaly or crusty. These patches often appear on areas that get a lot of sun exposure, such as the arms, legs, and face, but can appear elsewhere. Because it looks similar to skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, many people may ignore it. If unexplained patches appear on your skin and don't heal, it's best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

The cause of Bowen's disease is not fully understood, but UV radiation is recognized as one of the main risk factors. A weakened immune system, exposure to certain chemicals, and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) may also increase the risk of disease. It may sound a bit complicated, but in short, protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals is the key to prevention.

There are a variety of treatments for Bowen disease, including cryotherapy, topical medications, laser therapy, and surgical removal. The treatment you choose usually depends on the size and location of the lesion and your overall health. Your doctor will tailor your treatment plan to your individual situation. In most cases, with proper treatment, Bowen disease is completely treatable.

Understanding Bowen's disease can help us pay more attention to our health, especially changes in our skin. Regular skin checks to detect abnormalities in time are effective ways to protect ourselves from more serious diseases. Whether it is sun protection or the development of a healthy lifestyle, these are positive measures we can take. Remember, healthy skin is part of a healthy body and deserves our careful care.