This is a type of skin cancer (not melanoma) called squamous cell carcinoma in-situ, i.e., squamous cell cancer is completely localized in the epidermis of the skin. It most commonly occurs in sun-damaged areas of the skin, though it can occur in any area of skin on the body (even in areas not damaged from the sun).
Scaling, red skin plaques (may resemble Psoriasis)
Skin biopsy
Surgical excision (lesion is cut out, this usually is done in the office, by a dermatologist)
See your primary care physician or a dermatologist. Left untreated, Bowen's disease may turn into invasive squamous cell carcinoma, which is a very serious disease.
Twenty percent of Bowen's disease lesions may turn into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma may grow into deeper structures below the skin or metastasize.
