Not really sure whether to post or not to be honest as I know my problem is minor by comparison with the majority of the people on this site, then realised there weren't too many posts about my condition and maybe it would help somebody else.
I have Bowens disease, it has a few alternative names but basically its nasty cells in the top layer of skin with a small possibility of turning into something very nasty...so it gets treated. My patch is about 2cm by 1.75 cm and on my leg, above my knee.
GP thought it was nothing to worry about...but on the second visit about it was given a push (and my getting private healthcare from work helped), so I saw a consultant. He said it was BCC or Bowens (but obviously thought it was BCC) and gave me Efudix which didn't make much difference.
So, to be sure what it was, I got the pleasure of a punch biopsy (4mm by 4mm by 3mm deep) which has taken 7 weeks to heal. The wound got infected and two stitches didn't hold and there is now a hole...luckily its location means its not on view. It certainly isn't going to worry me.
Next step is to use Imiquimod ( Aldara) cream 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Fingers crossed it works and the side effects aren't too bad.
I am not faulting my GP for thinking it wasn't something to worry about - or the consultant for thinking it was BCC. They are humans and can't know everything. I guess I am saying when you know something isn't right with your body you shouldn't ignore it or brush it under the carpet but get it properly checked.
My condition is linked to having the HPV virus...its one of the reasons that we now vaccinate teenagers against HPV, to stop them getting this.
Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed account of your experiences with Bowen's disease.
As the online community is divided up into different support groups I'm going to recommend that you join and post this in the skin cancer group, which is a great place to ask questions, share experience and get support, and others looking for people with Bowen's disease will then find your account easily.
Clicking on the link I've created will take you to the group where you can join and post in the same way as you did here. You can also join in with existing conversations by clicking on 'reply'.
If you have any difficulty navigating the community just drop me a reply and I'll be pleased to help.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
