Treatment of Bowen's disease and basal cell carcinoma of the nose with imiquimod 5% cream

We report the successful use of topical imiquimod 5% cream for extensive multifocal, recurrent (post cryotherapy), biopsy-proven Bowen's disease of the nose. Treatment was applied on a once-a-day regimen, and a total of 32 applications over 9 weeks were used. A florid local skin reaction occurred early in the treatment, necessitating a rest period and decreasing the frequency of application. The Bowen's disease was coexistent with a multifocal superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that had a partial response. Persistent BCC at 4 weeks post treatment was surgically excised. This tumour showed an unusual histological picture, with normal epidermis overlying residual BCC in the papillary dermis. The Bowen's disease remains clinically clear at 12-months follow up.