[Light and electron microscopic and cytophotometric investigations in multiple Bowenoid papules (author's transl)]

In to find a satisfactory nosological position of so-called Bowenoid Papules, biopsies of three patients were examined by light- and electron microscopy order as well as by cytophotometry and the findings were compared to the results of two cases of Bowen's disease. The dysplasia of the epidermis, hardly definable from Bowen's disease by light microscopy, revealed numerous ultrastructural alterations which also can be observed in the intraepidermal carcinoma, in addition single alterations indicate a viral genesis (which couldn't be proved until now). Cytophotometric investigations showed an only slight increase of DNA in the nuclei. It is interesting, however, that biopsies of a recurrent Bowenoid Papulosis exhibited a distinct increase of the DNA content. The not aggressive postoperative behaviour of two cases faces a third case with advanced dysplasia (increased DNA-content) and recurrence. The origin and/or the releasing moments for this diverging behaviour are not quite clear yet.