A case of Bowen's disease showing a clinical tendency toward spontaneous regression

J Dermatol. 2004 Jul;31(7):569-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2004.tb00557.x.

Abstract

We present a case of Bowen's disease showing a clinical tendency toward spontaneous regression. The patient, a healthy 86-year-old woman, complained that erythema had appeared on her left forearm two years earlier and had gradually enlarged. At the first examination, we observed a well-demarcated, 4 x 3 cm, erythematous plaque, partically covered with crusting and erosions near the wrist. Diagnosis of Bowen's disease was confirmed by a biopsy. Since the patient refused surgery and also discontinued hyperthermic treatment with disposable chemical pocket warmers after a brief trial, we decided to continue the observation of disease progression without any treatment. Two years after the initial visit, the lesion showed a clinical tendency toward spontaneous regression, with a fine erythematous plaque that showed the obscurely demarcated border of the lesion. After three years, although the patient exhibited a similar symptomatic improvement, a skin biopsy showed a few residual tumor cells. At the patient's request, we chose to observe the progress of the lesion. We review the literature of cases of Bowen's disease that have shown a similar tendency toward spontaneous regression, which have been rare.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Bowen's Disease / pathology*
  • Bowen's Disease / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Japan
  • Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / physiopathology