Becker’s Nevus

Becker’s Nevus

Article
Skin Care
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byLester Fahrner, MD+1 moreJun 22, 2022

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Becker’s Naevus

What is Becker’s Nevus? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Becker’s Nevus is considered to be a pigmented hamartoma of skin; a hamartoma is a developmental anomaly. Becker’s Nevus causes abnormal skin discoloration, abnormal hair growth, and thickening of skin (verrucous skin surface)
  • It is an uncommon condition that mostly affects males. Becker’s Nevus forms during one’s childhood or adolescent stage and the skin lesions are mostly observed on the shoulders and back
  • Becker’s Nevus may present significant complications, such as acne or cosmetic issues. Occasionally, melanoma (a type of skin cancer) is known to develop within this skin lesion
  • Becker’s Nevus is observed to occur sporadically and the cause is largely unknown. Presently, there are also no identified risk factors for the development of the condition
  • Treatment is generally not required for a Becker’s Nevus, unless it presents cosmetic concerns or if acne develops. The prognosis is generally excellent with suitable treatment, since these skin lesions are typically benign

Who gets Becker’s Nevus? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Becker’s Nevus is an infrequently-occurring benign skin condition that is observed during early childhood or adolescence. The condition is not present at birth
  • Both males and females are affected, though the incidence of Becker’s Nevus is much higher in males compared to females
  • All racial and ethnic groups are at risk and there is no particular preference noted

What are the Risk Factors for Becker’s Nevus? (Predisposing Factors)

  • Currently, there are no identified risk factors for Becker’s Nevus occurrence
  • However, it is predominantly seen in males

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Becker’s Nevus? (Etiology)

  • The cause of Becker’s Nevus formation is unknown
  • Genetic mutations (or genetic defects) have been suspected by researchers in some cases, but these have not been well-characterized

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Becker’s Nevus?

The signs and symptoms of Becker’s Nevus may include the following:

  • It is a benign condition that occurs as a growth abnormality with abnormally pigmented skin. At times, there is also the presence of a thickened skin and unusual hair overgrowth at the site
  • The skin lesion may be painless and non-itchy
  • Becker’s Nevus can occur anywhere on the body. However, the most common sites are the shoulders, chest, and upper back

How is Becker’s Nevus Diagnosed?

A Becker’s Nevus is diagnosed through the following tools:

  • Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
  • Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
  • Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
  • Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Becker’s Nevus?

The complications that arise from a Becker’s Nevus include:

  • Becker’s Nevus Syndrome: If Becker’s Nevus is associated with other abnormalities such as smooth muscle overgrowth, bony deformities, enlarged limbs (and enlarged fingers and toes), swollen scrotum and enlarged adrenal glands
  • In some cases, acne is known to develop within the confines of  Becker’s Nevus
  • In some individuals, it may give rise to cosmetic concerns, especially due to excessive or increased hair growth (hypertrichosis), as well as due to the abnormal pigmentation
  • Rarely, melanoma has developed within areas affected by Becker’s Nevus
  • Recurrence of pigmentation after attempted cosmetic removal of Becker’s Nevus with laser or intense pulsed light treatments

How is Becker’s Nevus Treated?

The treatment measures for Becker’s Nevus include:

  • The healthcare provider may choose to regularly observe the benign tumor; a “wait and watch” approach may be followed. In such cases, no treatment is generally required
  • If required, a surgical excision (or laser therapy) and complete removal of the lesion, to address cosmetic issues or if its growth is worrisome. Most Becker’s Nevi are too extensive to make excisional surgery a first-line treatment choice
  • If there is Becker’s Nevus associated acne, then treatment therapy for acne may be considered. Systemic treatments for acne found outside the Becker’s Nevus might be adequate. Additional local treatments to address Becker’s Nevus may be needed. These would include topicals that might differ from those used on the face
  • Nodulocystic acne confined to Becker’s Nevus has been reported, which may necessitate oral isotretinoin
  • Laser therapy may also be considered for excess hair removal
  • Undertaking treatment of other health concerns due to Becker’s Nevus Syndrome
  • Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Becker’s Nevus be Prevented?

  • Current medical research has not established a method of preventing the occurrence of Becker’s Nevus
  • However, if the signs and symptoms of melanoma (such as a suspicious-looking pigmented spot that changes in color and shape) are observed, then immediate medical attention is to be sought

What is the Prognosis of Becker’s Nevus? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • The prognosis of Becker’s Nevus is excellent on its complete excision and removal
  • Since, these are benign conditions, the prognosis is generally excellent even if no treatment is provided and only periodic observation maintained
  • The prognosis of Becker’s Nevus Syndrome is good, if the associated abnormalities and health conditions can be treated successfully

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Becker’s Nevus:

  • There is no evidence to prove that the tumor formation is influenced by one’s dietary choices
  • Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
  • The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse
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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Lester Fahrner, MD picture
Reviewed by

Lester Fahrner, MD

Chief Medical Officer, DoveMed Team

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