Bowenoid Papulose

Last Updated: 2020-11-19

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: -

Lloyd 1970

Subtype of the condyloma plana. Carcinoma in situ caused by HPV 16 or 18 (rarely also HPV 31-35, 39, 42, 48, 51-54).

Young patients mostly between 20-30 years.

Pigmented, verrucous maculae and papules. In the area of the mucous membrane they appear a little brighter.

  • Clinical image
  • Biopsy
  • PCR with HPV typing

Genitoanal and on the mucous membranes.

Hyperplastic epidermis, mitoses, dyskeratotic keratinocytes.

  • The transition to an invasive squamous cell carcinoma is estimated at approximately 1%-2.6%.
  • Patients are highly infectious, partners should be examined regularly
  • Frequent relapses

  • Abstinence
  • Excision by laser or curette.
  • Cryotherapy
  • Imiquimod 5% cream (off-label-use):
    • Application: 5x/ week over several weeks, maximum 16 weeks
    • Side effects: Redness, itching, burning, erosion of the skin. Patients should be informed about this before starting the therapy!
  • With regard to the increased risk of HPV 16 and 18 carcinoma, the partner should be examined when the diagnosis is confirmed

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  2. Takayama A, Ishiguro N, Kawashima M. Coexistence of Bowenoid papulosis and Bowen's disease in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. J Dermatol 2012;39:646-9.
  3. Papadopoulos AJ, Schwartz RA, Lefkowitz A, Tinkle LL, Janniger CK, Lambert WC. Extragenital bowenoid papulosis associated with atypical human papillomavirus genotypes. J Cutan Med Surg 2002;6:117-21.
  4. Iwai Y, Someya K, Moriya K, Kobayakawa H, Ohyama T, Horii A. [A case of bowenoid papulosis of the penis]. Hinyokika Kiyo 1989;35:517-21.
  5. Deen K, Burdon-Jones D. Imiquimod in the treatment of penile intraepithelial neoplasia: An update. Australas J Dermatol 2016.
  6. Majores M, Bierhoff E. [Actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease, keratoacanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin]. Pathologe 2015;36:16-29.