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Bowen's disease concealed by purpura
Tae Young Yoon1, Hee Jung Kim, June Woo Kim
1Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea. tyyoon@chungbuk.ac.kr
The Journal of Dermatology
|January 6, 2007
Summary
Bowen's disease (BD), a form of squamous cell carcinoma in situ, can present atypically. This study highlights two cases of BD mimicking angiosarcoma, emphasizing the need for broader differential diagnoses in elderly patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ) typically presents as a scaly plaque.
- Differential diagnosis of Bowen's disease commonly includes various benign and malignant skin conditions.
- Angiosarcoma is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of Bowen's disease.
Observation:
- Two elderly patients presented with purpura on the scalp.
- Initial clinical suspicion in both cases was angiosarcoma.
- Histopathological examination confirmed Bowen's disease in both cases.
Findings:
- Bowen's disease can manifest as purpura, particularly on the scalp in elderly individuals.
- This presentation can be mistaken for more aggressive vascular tumors like angiosarcoma.
- Histological evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Implications:
- The differential diagnosis for scalp purpura in the elderly should include Bowen's disease.
- Clinicians should consider a wider range of diagnoses beyond typical presentations for skin lesions.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of Bowen's disease is essential for appropriate management.
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