Becker Nevus

Abstract: Objective: A histopathological and immunohistochemical study was initiated to assess changes in benign human pigmented skin lesions after quality switched ruby laser (QSRL) irradiation. Method: A total of 196 solar lentigines on 8 patients’ forearms were irradiated in vivo, 13 biopsies were taken. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical techniques using anti-S-100 and Fontana-Masson stainings, as well as cryosections stained with nitroblue tetra-zolium chloride (NBTC), were employed for the evaluation of the specimens. Results: Immediately after QSRL impact selective photothermal damage (vacuolization) of all pigmented epidermal and basal melanocytes, keratinocytes, superficial dermal melanocytes and melanophages could be observed in solar lentigines. Cryosections stained with NBTC featured minimal thermal damage of the surrounding tissue. One Becker’s nevus was also exposed to the QSRL, biopsies were taken before and immediately after QSRL exposure. In this lesion, superficially located pigments were selectively damaged, but a fair amount of pigmented cells in adnexal structures persisted throughout this single course of QSRL treatment. Recurrence of lentigines was not observed. In Becker’s nevus, following initial fading of the lesion, clinically reactive hyperpigmentation occurred 4 weeks later. Conclusion: We found that pigmented lesions featuring a moderate amount of pigment exclusively in and around the basal cell layer, like solar (actinic) lentigo, can be successfully removed by a single QSRL exposure selectively damaging epidermal and basal pigmented structures. Further investigations concerning QSRL treatment of dermally pigmented skin lesions have to be initiated.

Abstract: The pigmented hairy epidermal nevus (Becker) is a variety of epidermal nevus in which epidermal thickening may be minimal and hairiness and pigmentation obvious. Characteristically it is a unilateral lesion of the shoulder in males but it may affect other sites, be multiple and bilateral, and be found in women and Negroes. Histological examination may show no epidermal thickening. Nevus cells are not seen in the dermis.

Abstract: • Two cases of smooth muscle hamartoma with Becker's nevus are reported. Clinically and histologically the lesions resemble Becker's nevi with the exception that on histologic examination a hamartomatous proliferation of smooth muscle is prominent. (Arch Dermatol114:104-106, 1978)

Abstract: The authors make a survey of a series of a hundred Becker's nevi diagnosed in a recruiting center of the French National Service. It is a statistic study bearing on the male population, aged 17 to 26, in a French region which is supposed to be representative of the French male population of the same age. First of all the authors focus on the various clinical descriptions since this nevus was first described by Becker in 1949, then discuss the problems raised by pathogenic interpretation and the results of microscopic studies. About this lesion, usually said to be pigmentary and hairy, and generally appearing before 20 years of age, is still very little known. Then after a short explanation of their method of study the authors give original results. A hundred Becker's nevi were diagnosed among 19,302 young men, that is to say in a proportion of 0.52 p. 100. A study of the racial, genetic and pigmentary background doesn't enable to retain general causes but rather leads to think of local causes. Half of these Becker's nevi appeared before ten years of age, the other half appearing between 10 and 20. In only one quarter of the cases can the role of the sun be pointed out. The location of the nevi is variable; they are mainly situated on the trunk and only 32 p. 100 of them are located above nipples, which was believed to be the usual place of the lesion. Pigmentation in three quarter of the cases is light brown. The average surface is 125 cm2. Hairs can be seen in only a little more than half of the cases of no lesion associated to the nevus could be found. The study points out that Becker's nevi seem to be more various in their clinical expression and more pigment than could be thought through more classical description.