A Case of Bowenoid Papulosis Complicated by Condyloma Acuminatum

Abstract

This is a report of a case study on bowenoid papulosis that shows close resemblance with the symptoms of condyloma acuminatum. The patient was a 34-year-old woman. In August 2002, she had anal intercourse once. Then, in the fall of the same year, a papule started to appear around the anus. Then, the skin lesion enlarged and increased to the extent that made her consult us in January 2003. In the lesion of condyloma we found a dark-brown flat papule. Suspecting bowenoid papulosis, we ordered biopsy. As a result, in situ carcinoma was found, which resembled Bowen's disease that could indicate malignancy. We diagnosed and treated this as bowenoid papulosis. Relapse occurred three times. Each time the lesion was removed and cauterization was applied. The symptoms disappeared, and the treatment was completed in June 2003. The patient had no complaints there after.
Bowenoid papulosis is an STD, carrying the Human Papilloma Virus. Simple examination can lead to a diagnosis of condyloma acuminatum because of the first appearance of the lesion. However, there is an important difference between BP and condyloma acuminatum. BP carries a serious type of HPV, and, over a period of time it can develop malignancy and eventually into a serious case of cervical carcinoma, whereas the latter does not. Therefore, careful observation and follow-up are required.