Background: Bowen's disease and erythroplasia of Queyrat are intraepidermal neoplasias (carcinoma in situ) and are considered as preinvasive types of penile squamous cell carcinoma. The risk of progression to invasive cancer is low and such a process can last up to 20 years.
Material and method: Penis preservation and simultaneous complete excision of the tumour are strongly related to the quality of life of the patients and thereby represent the aim of the therapy. Local excision with reconstructive plastic surgery allows satisfactory aesthetic results without jeopardizing cancer control.
Results: The results of this treatment are comparable with those after Nd-YAG laser therapy. Local recurrence occurs in up to 33% also after years irrespective of the surgical strategy chosen.
Conclusion: A close follow-up with timely treatment of recurrences allows suitable tumour control without worsening the prognosis and is the most important requirement for an organ-preserving treatment of Bowen's disease.