Causes & Risk Factors Of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Bowen's Syndrome

Bowen's syndrome is a rare pre-cancerous condition of an individual's skin that causes the development of a gradually progressive plaque or red scaly patch on the skin. The cause of this syndrome is not clear, though extended sun exposure and age are known to play a significant role in its development. An individual affected by Bowden's syndrome is at a higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. The skin lesions characteristic of Bowden's syndrome are red or brown, and they can be slightly raised or completely flat.

Some of these lesions may bleed, itch, crust over, ooze pus, and become tender. The lesions may fissure or split open, and they may also take on a verrucous or warty appearance. The lesion in Bowen's syndrome can develop anywhere on a patient's body, but the most common areas are on their legs, neck, head, and palms where the skin has been exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. An estimated ten percent of all Bowen's syndrome patients will go on to develop squamous cell carcinoma.