Beckers naevus

Becker’s naevus is a hamartomatous lesion characterized by brown, hyperpigmented patches. They are usually solitary lesions, occurring on one side of the body. They are caused by overgrowth of the epidermis, melanocytes and hair follicles.

They are usually associated with overlying hypertrichosis and acneform eruption. They are most commonly seen on the shoulder and upper chest region but can be seen anywhere on the body. They are most commonly seen in boys and become more prominent after puberty.

Becker’s naevus can be seen in association with several other abnormalities as part of Becker’s naevus syndrome. Associated abnormalities include:

  • Breast hypoplasia
  • Supernumerary nipples
  • Ipsilateral absence of pectoralis major muscle
  • Scoliosis
  • Limb asymmetry
  • Pectus excavatum/carinatium

Treatment is primarily for cosmetic reasons and includes laser treatment or laser-assisted hair removal.


References

Bhattacharjee R, Vinay K. Becker’s nevus syndrome. Breast J [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2020 Aug 20];25:1294–1294.

Becker’s nevus | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program [Internet]. [cited 2020 Aug 20]. Available from: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/5901/beckers-nevus

Danarti R, König A, Salhi A, Bittar M, Happle R. Becker’s nevus syndrome revisited [Internet]. Vol. 51, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol; 2004 [cited 2020 Aug 20]. p. 965–9.