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Nateghi M R, Mohammadian H. The Report of a Becker Nevus Case. SJMR 2026; 11 (2) : 2
URL: http://saremjrm.com/article-1-395-en.html
1- Sarem Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility Research Center, Sarem Women’s Hospital, Iran University & Sarem Cell Research Center (SCRC), Sarem Women’s Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
2- Sarem Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility Research Center, Sarem Women’s Hospital, Iran University
Abstract:   (17 Views)
Abstract: Becker nevus is a benign cutaneous hamartoma that usually presents as a unilateral hyperpigmented lesion with hypertrichosis. This lesion is most often diagnosed during puberty and most commonly affects the shoulder, arm, back, and chest. Although the exact cause is unknown, androgen receptor hypersensitivity and skin mosaicism are among the most important mechanisms proposed in the pathogenesis of this disease. Correct diagnosis of Becker nevus is of particular importance due to its clinical similarity to some congenital and acquired pigmented lesions. In this article, a 16-year-old girl is presented with a complaint of a large pigmented lesion on the outer surface of the right arm. The lesion gradually became more prominent around puberty and was accompanied by increased thickness and darkness of the hair in the area and the occurrence of intermittent acne. Clinical examination and history were without any musculoskeletal, skeletal, or other abnormalities. Based on the clinical features, the diagnosis of Becker's nevus was proposed and confirmed after reviewing the differential diagnoses. This article introduces and reviews Becker's nevus, a benign skin lesion, and reports a clinical case. While reviewing the clinical features, pathological findings, associated factors, and differential diagnoses, the article points out the importance of differentiating Becker's nevus from lesions such as congenital melanocytic nevus, cafe au lait spots, smooth muscle hamartoma, and other skin pigment disorders. Also, in cases where Becker's nevus is accompanied by muscular, skeletal, or breast abnormalities, the possibility of Becker's nevus syndrome is raised.
Becker's nevus is a benign lesion with a chronic course and a very low risk of malignancy, and its diagnosis is mainly based on the history and clinical examination. Physicians' awareness of the clinical features and differential diagnoses of this lesion can prevent unnecessary diagnostic procedures and lead to the selection of the most appropriate therapeutic approach and provide reassurance to the patient. This case report emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the clinical manifestations of Becker's nevus, especially in adolescents, and differentiating it from other pigmented skin lesions. Becker's nevus usually appears as a unilateral brown spot with irregular borders, which often darkens during puberty and is associated with thick hair growth (hypertrichosis). This lesion is most commonly seen on the shoulders, chest, back, and arms, and its exact cause is unknown, but increased sensitivity or number of androgen receptors in the skin plays an important role in its development. The risk of malignancy in this lesion is very rare.
Article number: 2
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Article Type: Case Report | Subject: Skin diseases and disorders
Received: 2026/05/31 | Accepted: 2026/06/26 | Published: 2026/07/23

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