[False forms of Bowen disease of the genital mucosa]

This review deals with the lesions of the genitalia histologically mimicking Bowen's disease, yet behaving like a benign process. The report is based on data from the literature and on 14 personal cases, four of which are described here as examples. Some of the cases, mostly young patients, showed spontaneous regression; in others condylomata acuminata developed on the site of the lesions; in rare instances a "transformation" in lichen planus occurred. For these not really precancerous conditions the at present most widely accepted name is bowenoid papulosis. As far as etiology is concerned, the responsibility of human papilloma virus is generally accepted or considered likely, although there are only very few cases when the virus has really been evidenced. Diagnosis of a pseudo-Bowen's disease can only be made after clinico-pathologic correlation. A careful follow-up is necessary if it has been decided not to destroy the lesion.