Annual Full-Body Skin Exam Identifies Early Precancerous Lesions in 71-Year-Old Female | Village Dermatology in Katy & Houston, TX
Regular full-body skin exams are a cornerstone of skin cancer prevention and early detection, particularly in older adults with a history of sun exposure and family history of skin cancer. This case highlights a 71-year-old female patient from the Houston area who visited Village Dermatology for her annual comprehensive skin evaluation.
📋 Chief Complaint: Routine Full Body Skin Exam
The patient, a well-nourished, alert, and oriented 71-year-old woman, presented without current skin symptoms but with a history of non-melanoma skin cancers and multiple past Mohs surgeries. Her motivation for care was preventive, driven by both personal and family history.
🔬 Clinical Findings:
During her full-body dermatological evaluation, the following key findings were noted:
Benign Nevi: Evenly pigmented, symmetrical macules and papules on the right upper back. No signs of malignancy.
Seborrheic Keratoses: Common age-related, benign lesions seen on the forehead, epigastric area, and upper back.
Lentigines: Reticulated light brown macules distributed on sun-exposed skin of the trunk, consistent with UV damage.
Actinic Keratoses (AKs): Nine precancerous lesions treated with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, located on the forearms, hands, and face.
Cherry Angioma: A benign red papule on the right cheek, discussed but not treated.
Neoplasm of Uncertain Behavior: A suspicious papule on the upper back underwent shave biopsy for histopathologic diagnosis.
💬 Patient Counseling and Management
Our board-certified dermatologist provided in-depth counseling on:
Sun protection: SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplication every 2 hours, sun-protective clothing, and lip balm with SPF.
Self-skin exams: Monthly checks for changes in moles or the appearance of new lesions.
Treatment strategy:
Immediate cryotherapy for AKs.
Scheduled shave biopsy for the suspicious neoplasm.
Monitoring benign nevi and seborrheic keratoses without intervention.
🧴 Prevention Tips for Houston-Area Residents
Given the intense sun exposure in Katy and Houston, Texas, we strongly advise:
Daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Avoidance of tanning beds.
Wearing UPF clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
Scheduling annual full-body skin exams, especially for those over 60 or with a family history of skin cancer.
✅ Outcome
The patient tolerated all procedures well, including the cryotherapy and shave biopsy. A follow-up appointment was scheduled in 6 months for monitoring and continuity of care.
📍 Why This Matters for Residents in Katy and Houston, TX
This case emphasizes the importance of routine dermatologic care and early identification of precancerous and cancerous skin changes. At Village Dermatology, we’re committed to delivering expert skin cancer screening and treatment for our community in Katy and Houston.
