Comprehensive Skin Check Uncovers Common Skin Concerns in a 68-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report from Village Dermatology
At Village Dermatology, serving Katy, Texas and Houston, Texas, we are committed to proactive skin health.
Today, we share the case of a 68-year-old woman who visited us for a full-body skin exam and evaluation of several long-standing skin lesions. Her history, including a personal diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma and a family history of melanoma, underscores the importance of annual skin checks — especially for patients at higher risk.
Patient Background
This new patient presented with brown lesions located on her upper back and left breast. These lesions had been present for years, but she had never sought treatment before. Her medical history was significant for:
Basal cell skin cancer (previously treated)
Family history of melanoma (mother)
Family history of non-melanoma skin cancer (father)
In addition to evaluating her lesions, she sought education about sun exposure and advice on monitoring her existing moles.
Examination Findings
Using both clinical inspection and a dermatoscope, a thorough examination of her skin, scalp, nails, and mucosa was performed. Key findings included:
Benign Nevi: Regularly shaped, evenly colored moles with no signs of malignancy.
Lentigines: Light tan macules, common signs of sun damage, scattered throughout sun-exposed areas.
Cherry Angiomas: Benign vascular growths across the body.
Seborrheic Keratoses: Benign "warty" growths on the back and shoulders.
Actinic Keratoses: Precancerous lesions on the forehead.
Irritated Seborrheic Keratosis: Inflamed, crusted lesion behind the left ear.
Treatment Plan
The patient underwent cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen treatment) for:
9 seborrheic keratoses (upper back and shoulders)
2 actinic keratoses (right forehead)
1 irritated seborrheic keratosis (postauricular skin)
She was counseled extensively on:
Sun protection: Regular use of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and lip balm with SPF.
Self-exams: Monthly self-skin checks for any new or changing lesions or moles.
Follow-up care: Importance of annual full-body skin exams.
The patient was advised that lentigines, cherry angiomas, and seborrheic keratoses are benign and treatment is optional unless they become symptomatic.
The Importance of Regular Skin Exams
This case highlights the need for yearly skin checks, especially for individuals with:
A personal or family history of skin cancer
Chronic sun exposure
A history of precancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses
Early detection and preventive treatment can greatly reduce the risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma.
At Village Dermatology, we pride ourselves on thorough, compassionate care for every patient — whether addressing cosmetic concerns, precancerous changes, or skin cancers.
✅ If you live in Katy, Texas, or Houston, Texas, and you are due for your annual skin check or have noticed new or changing moles, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our expert dermatology team today!
Prioritize your skin health — early detection saves lives.