Becker's Nevus Syndrome

Abstract

The simultaneous occurrence of a patch of light or dark brown hyperpigmentation with hypertrichosis (Becker's nevus) together with (usually ipsilateral) soft tissues hypoplasia (especially breast, in women) and underlying skeletal anomalies (i.e., vertebral hypoplasia, scoliosis, pectus carinatum or excavatum) represents the Becker's nevus syndrome (BNS) phenotype. It was first described (as a single cutaneous lesion) by Becker in 1949 and then associated with the surrounding musculoskeletal disorders. The syndrome has also been reported as pigmentary hairy epidermal nevus syndrome. Less than 100 cases have been reported in the literature, with a slightly higher incidence in females and only few familiar cases: paradominant postzygotic mutations and/or an androgen-dependent hyperactivation have been reported as the causes of the diseases.The extracutaneous lesions are congenital and nonprogressive, and the natural history of the Becker's nevus is the same as that of isolated nevi: in prepubertal boys, the pigmentation may be less intense and the hairiness may be absent or mild, as occurs in women, whereas in men, there is an increase of hairiness after puberty. The treatment is essentially cosmetic, and potential therapeutic options include electrolysis, waxing, makeup, or laser.

Becker’s nevus syndrome: a case report

“…The preponderance of cases in females may be due to the most commonly associated anomaly, breast hypoplasia, being more apparent in females [5] , and is a cause of anxiety, as seen in the index report. However, some other authors have documented a higher male preponderance, with a male-to-female ratio of 5:1 [8] . Kim et al.…”

“…This nevus has similar preference sites in both children and adults, but is less commonly associated with hypertrichosis in pediatric patients than in adults [7] . Some studies have described hypertrichosis as seen more commonly in congenital smooth muscle harmatoma, a similar condition, than in Becker’s nevus [8] .…”

Comprehensive Treatment of a Skeletal Class III Growing Patient with Alveolar Bone Hypertrophy in the Anterior Mandible Associated with Becker’s Nevus Syndrome: A Case Report

“…Becker's nevus syndrome is clinically diagnosed by the presence of a Becker's nevus along with other cutaneous, muscular, or skeletal abnormalities, including ipsilateral hypoplasia of the breast, supernumerary nipples, muscular dystrophy, scoliosis, or fused or accessory cervical ribs [20]. The exact etiology of Becker's nevus syndrome is unclear, and the majority of the cases occur sporadically, with a low incidence of familial involvement [21]. This syndrome has been thought to be a hormone-dependent disorder because the overexpression of androgen receptors in the Becker's nevus area has been detected [8].…”

Treatment of Becker's nevus with 577‐nm pro‐yellow laser: Could it be a new treatment choice?

“…8 Vascular pathogenesis is also blamed in Becker's nevus pathogenesis. 1 Pro-yellow laser treatment is successfully used in vascular disorders. 9 Herein, we applied 577-nm pro-yellow laser monotherapy to our patient with Becker's nevus, assuming that BN has a vascular component.…”

“…To the editor, Becker's nevus (BN) is a common benign cutaneous hamartome that appears as hyperpigmented macule or patch with irregular borders, often unilateral. 1 Most of the lesions are unilaterally localized to the upper quadrant of the chest and shoulder, but they can appear on any area of the body. 2 In contrast to what was previously thought, hypertrichosis is available in only a minority of patients.…”