Relationship between Bowen disease and internal malignant tumors.

In a series of papers published in dermatologic periodicals, Bowen disease is stated to be associated with a considerable increase in the incidence of internal malignant tumors; this is not in agreement with clinical experience in Denmark. In 207 consecutive patients with Bowen disease, a systematic statistical investigation was made, with a view to demonstrating a possible correlation with internal malignant tumors. No significant differences were found between the observed and expected figures for internal malignant tumors. Of 31 cases of Bowen disease localized to the trunk, six cases of internal malignant tumors were observed; only 2.78 cases were expected. Nevertheless, this difference cannot be regarded as significant.