BOWEN'S DISEASE AND PAGET'S DISEASE OF THE NIPPLE

Abstract

The term dyskeratosis, as defined by Darier,¹ "represents a faulty development of the epidermis in the course of which a certain number of malpighian cells become isolated and differentiated from their fellows, undergoing an abnormal, premature and imperfect keratinization. These dyskeratotic cells are present in the layers of the epidermis, as far as in the horny layer, in the form of 'round bodies' (corps ronds), granules (grains), globes or corpuscles, with or without nuclei, easily distinguished from the still normal cells as well as from the parakeratotic cells." In 1914, Darier¹ designated a group of dermatoses under the general heading of "the dyskeratoses." The classification was based on the assumption that the primary and characteristic histologic feature of the lesion in these diseases was dyskeratosis. The diseases classified as belonging to the group are: Bowen's precancerous dermatosis. Paget's disease of the nipple. Dyskeratosis follicularis (Darier's disease). Dyskeratosis follicularis (Darier's disease). Molluscum contagiosum.