Comparison of the recurrence rate of 3 treatment modalities for Bowen disease in an aging city: A retrospective multivariate analysis.

Mo, Young Woong; Lee, Dong Lark

A wide range of therapeutic options are available for the treatment of Bowen disease. However, few studies have been conducted on wide excision using various resurfacing methods. The objectives of this study were:One hundred forty-eight lesions were studied. All lesions were histopathologically confirmed as Bowen disease. Lesions were classified by anatomical site and treatment modality and their dimensions were measured. Punch biopsy was reperformed when a treated lesion was considered to have possibly recurred. Recurrence rates were then compared. Preoperative and intraoperative photos and follow-up images were also taken.The most common site of Bowen disease was the head and neck region. Wide excision was found to provide good outcomes with minimal tumor recurrence. Recurrence after cryotherapy occurred relatively quickly (mean 0.2 years, median 0.2 years) while recurrence after wide excision occurred at a mean 2.5 years. Treatment modality was significantly associated with recurrence (P < .05).The optimal treatment for Bowen disease has not been determined. Wide excision provided lower recurrence than other treatment modalities. Providers should be aware of the multiple treatment options available and select the method most appropriate for each patient. The limitations of our study are that it was retrospectively designed and conducted at a single institution.