[DNA determination by cytophotometry in bowenoid papules in comparison with condylomata acuminata and Bowen's disease].

The relation between bowenoid papules and Bowen's disease is characterized by largely corresponding histological pictures and diverging clinical-epidemiological features. In bowenoid papules and Bowen's disease, 5 cases each, compared with 5 cases of common condylomata acuminata, we determined the DNA by means of Feulgen's cytophotometry in visible light after Feulgen's staining. The following results were obtained: The average DNA content in bowenoid papules equals that in Bowen's disease, but it is significantly higher than in condylomata acuminata. What is different between the two groups "bowenoid papules" and "Bowen's disease" is the distribution of DNA: In Bowen's disease, DNA spreads into higher ranges of polyploidy. If we take recent molecular biological/virological findings into account, this result can be interpreted as a transition towards carcinoma in situ.