Photodynamic Therapy for Nevus Sebaceus With Topical δ-Aminolevulinic Acid

A 38-year-old woman was examined because of an extensive nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn (NSJ) covering the right side of her scalp and her face. The lesion first became apparent on the crown of her scalp when she was 12 years old and then gradually extended to the occiput. By the age of 20 years, it appeared on the right side of her face. A partial excision was done on the right temple, but the lesion recurred and later extended further down to the right preauricular area (Figure 1). Two biopsies were performed (of the right temple and preauricular areas) to rule out malignant transformation in the most recent proliferative parts. Both biopsy specimens showed a marked increase in the number of sebaceous glands in association with striking irregular papillary epidermal hyperplasia consistent with NSJ (Figure 2). There was no evidence of malignancy. The tumor in the preauricular area was of mostly cosmetic concern to the patient, but she refused further surgical intervention.