Surgical Approach for Reconstruction of a Morbus Bowen Defect in the Genital Area: A Case Report

Abstract

Bowen’s disease is also known as intraepithelial squamous cell carcinoma in situ which can appear on the skin or mucous membranes (including mouth, anus and genitalia). The macroscopic appearance of Morbus Bowen is as erythematous, rough, scaly and sharply demarcated plaques, and histologically there is hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, dyskeratosis and acanthosis present. The precursor lesion is slow-growing, and if left untreated, it can progress and transform into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In this particular case, our 68 year old female patient presented with a genital form of Morbus Bowen, and she had had the plaques for 15 years. The lesions were previously treated with cryotherapy and dermatological creams, but to no avail. This patient was treated in our Clinic with a surgical excision and a Thiersch skin graft (STSG) to close the defect. Consequently, we have evaluated her 3 months post-op and the results are satisfactory