Full Body Skin Exam for Patients With a History of Dysplastic Nevi — Village Dermatology Katy & Houston, Texas
Patients with a personal history of dysplastic nevi benefit greatly from routine, thorough skin examinations. At Village Dermatology, proudly serving Katy, Texas and Houston, Texas, we emphasize early detection, patient education, and long-term surveillance to reduce skin cancer risk.
This case highlights a 51-year-old female who presented as a new patient for a comprehensive full-body skin exam and counseling on sun exposure and suspicious skin lesions.
Chief Complaint
Evaluation of skin lesions throughout the body
Education regarding sun exposure and skin cancer prevention
The lesions were asymptomatic and moderate in severity.
Her medical history was significant for dysplastic nevi, with seven biopsies performed more than 10 years ago.
Comprehensive Skin Examination
A meticulous full-body skin examination was performed, including:
Scalp and hair
Face, eyelids, lips, ears, and neck
Chest, abdomen, back
Upper and lower extremities
Hands, feet, nails, and digits
Breasts, groin, and buttocks
The patient appeared well-nourished, alert, and in no acute distress.
A dermatoscope was used to enhance evaluation of pigmented lesions.
Assessment & Diagnoses
1. History of Dysplastic Nevi
Well-healed scars with no evidence of recurrence
No concerning changes noted on exam
Counseling Provided:
Importance of regular self-skin exams
Dysplastic nevi require ongoing monitoring due to melanoma risk
Prompt evaluation if moles change in size, shape, color, or symptoms
2. Benign Nevi
Regular, symmetric, evenly colored macules and papules
Distributed throughout the body
No suspicious features identified
Education:
Benign moles do not require treatment
Monthly self-exams recommended
Contact dermatology if lesions itch, bleed, or evolve
3. Lentigines
Light tan, reticulated macules in sun-exposed areas
Consistent with chronic sun exposure
Counseling:
Lentigines are benign
Can improve with:
Broad-spectrum sunscreen
Sun avoidance
Retinoids
Chemical peels
Laser treatments
4. Seborrheic Keratoses
Waxy, pigmented papules scattered on the body
Education:
Benign, age-related growths
No treatment required unless symptomatic or cosmetically bothersome
5. Cherry Angiomas
Benign vascular lesions distributed throughout the body
Counseling:
No medical treatment necessary
Can be treated with laser or electrodesiccation if desired
Sun Protection & Prevention Counseling
Given her history and findings, we emphasized:
Protective clothing and hats
Avoiding peak UV hours
Monthly self-skin exams using mirrors or partner assistance
Plan & Follow-Up
No biopsies needed at this visit
Continue vigilant monitoring
Annual full-body skin exam recommended
Return sooner if any lesions change or become symptomatic
At Village Dermatology in Katy and Houston, we partner with patients to provide proactive skin cancer prevention through expert evaluation and patient education.
