Bowenoid Papulosis is a genital wart that has the potential to develop into Squamous Cell Cancer and I encounter them frequently in my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices. HPV 16 is the most common Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causing Bowenoid Papulosis but other HPV types can be responsible.
What is Bowenoid Papulosis?
Bowenoid Papulosis appears like a genital wart as they are red to flesh-colored papules that arise in the genitalia. Bowenoid Papulosis can enlarge with time but some cases spontaneously regress. Histologically, the keratinocytes in the epidermis demonstrate atypia and can occasionally become full-thickness atypia which is called Squamous Cell Cancer in situ. Approximately, 2.6% of Bowenoid Papulosis becomes Squamous Cell Cancer. Treatment of Bowenoid Papulosis is most commonly achieved with liquid nitrogen destruction but other modalities such as electrodesiccation and curettage and Aldara cream can be used.
To learn more about skin cancer or schedule a skin cancer screening, contact Dr. Perri in The Woodlands or Conroe.
