Pigmented bowen’s disease associated with high-risk HPV simulating melanoma of the hand

Abstract

Bowen’s disease is an in situ squamous cell carcinoma of the skin with only 2% of pigmented cases reported. It is clinically characterized by papules and plaques of blackened surface that may be caused either by sun damage – usually in photoexposed areas in elderly individuals – or by human papillomavirus infection – usually in the anogenital region of young adults. Dermoscopic aspects of Bowen’s disease are discussed for over a decade, but with no definitive criteria that would lead to a definitive diagnosis. We present a case of Bowen’s disease affecting the finger of a 57-year-old Asian patient. The lesion clinically and dermoscopically simulated a melanoma. Histopathological findings suggested the diagnosis of pigmented Bowen’s disease. Pigmented Bowen’s disease should be considered a differential diagnosis of melanoma, since its clinical and dermoscopic criteria are unspecific. Histopathological examination remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of the disease.