My Family Has a History of Skin Cancer—How Often Should I Have My Moles Checked?
When skin cancer runs in the family, even harmless-looking moles and spots can create understandable concern. Many patients wonder whether they should have their skin checked more often, what changes they should watch for, and whether every new growth needs to be removed.
Recently, a 32-year-old woman visited Village Dermatology for a comprehensive evaluation of skin lesions throughout her body. She also wanted education about sun exposure and evaluation for any suspicious growths.
Her personal history was reassuring—she had no previous skin cancer—but she did have a family history of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Her visit raised an important question:
“My family has a history of skin cancer—how often should I have my moles checked?”
A complete skin examination was performed using dermoscopy. The good news was that no suspicious lesions were identified during this visit.
Several common benign findings were documented, including benign moles and lentigines. One mole on the right upper back was photographed for future comparison. She was also treated for several contagious warts on her right hand with liquid nitrogen.
For patients searching for a skin cancer screening or mole check in Houston or Katy, Texas, this case shows how routine dermatologic surveillance can help establish a baseline and monitor changes over time.
Does a Family History of Skin Cancer Mean I Will Get Skin Cancer?
Not necessarily.
A family history can be one factor a dermatologist considers when discussing skin surveillance, but it does not mean that skin cancer is inevitable.
In this patient's case, her examination showed no suspicious lesions.
Because of her family history of non-melanoma skin cancer, she was advised to be especially consistent with:
Broad-spectrum sunscreen
Sun-protective clothing
Monthly self-skin checks
Monitoring new or changing growths
Seeking evaluation for lesions that do not heal
The goal is awareness and early evaluation of suspicious changes.
What Happens During a Full-Body Skin Examination?
A comprehensive skin examination looks beyond the one or two spots a patient may already be worried about.
For this patient, the examination included the:
Scalp
Face
Ears
Neck
Chest
Abdomen
Back
Arms
Legs
Breasts
Hands
Feet
Groin
Buttocks
Genital region
Fingernails and toenails
A dermatoscope was used to examine skin lesions in greater detail.
This type of evaluation allows the dermatologist to document existing lesions and identify anything that may need closer monitoring.
Were Any of Her Moles Suspicious?
No findings concerning for malignancy were identified during the visit.
The patient's nevi, or moles, appeared as regular, symmetrical, evenly colored macules and papules, which supported their benign appearance.
One mole on the right medial upper back measured approximately 0.4 × 0.4 cm.
Rather than removing it, the plan was to:
Observe it
Photograph it
Compare it at future visits
This is an example of how dermatologists may monitor a benign-appearing mole rather than automatically biopsy or remove it.
Why Take a Photo of a Mole?
Clinical photographs can be helpful for future comparison.
If a mole looks benign today but deserves observation, a photograph provides a visual baseline that can help determine whether it changes over time.
Changes in:
Size
Shape
Color
Surface appearance
may be easier to recognize when a previous image is available.
This patient's right upper-back mole will be monitored at future examinations.
What Changes in a Mole Should I Watch For?
Patients were advised to perform monthly self-skin checks.
Contact a dermatologist if a mole:
Changes in size
Changes in shape
Changes in color
Begins itching
Starts burning
Bleeds
Looks significantly different from surrounding moles
New growths that enlarge, become painful, or fail to heal should also be evaluated.
What Are Lentigines?
The patient's examination also showed lentigines, which are flat tan or brown spots commonly associated with sun exposure.
These were distributed in sun-exposed areas throughout the body.
Lentigines are benign and do not require treatment.
However, they are a visible sign of cumulative sun exposure, so sun protection was emphasized.
How Much Sunscreen Should I Use?
The patient received detailed sunscreen counseling.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher was recommended.
General instructions included:
Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure
Reapply approximately every 2 hours
Reapply sooner after swimming or heavy sweating
Use about one ounce for exposed body skin
Use lip balm with sunscreen
Wear sun-protective clothing when appropriate
Consistent sun protection can help reduce additional ultraviolet damage.
What Were the Growths on Her Right Hand?
In addition to her skin cancer screening, the patient had several verruca vulgaris, commonly known as warts, on her right hand.
They involved areas including the:
Right middle finger
Right small finger
Right thumb
Web space of the hand
Because warts are caused by a viral infection, they can be contagious and spread through direct contact.
Several lesions were treated during the visit.
How Are Hand Warts Treated?
A total of four wart lesions were treated with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy using two freeze-thaw cycles.
Cryotherapy freezes the affected tissue and may cause temporary:
Redness
Blistering
Crusting
Scabbing
Tenderness
Potential risks discussed included pigment changes, scarring, infection, recurrence, and incomplete removal.
The patient was scheduled to return in approximately four weeks for reevaluation.
If the warts improved significantly, she was told she could cancel that appointment and continue over-the-counter wart treatment until they fully resolved.
Can Warts Come Back After Liquid Nitrogen?
Yes.
Warts may require more than one treatment session, and recurrence is possible.
Other wart treatment options can include:
Salicylic acid
Retinoids
Imiquimod in selected circumstances
Additional cryotherapy
The most appropriate approach depends on the number, size, location, and persistence of the lesions.
Patients should contact the office if warts continue to spread or repeatedly return despite treatment.
Why Is Monthly Self-Examination Important?
Even after a reassuring professional exam, new skin lesions can develop between appointments.
Monthly self-checks help patients become familiar with their normal skin.
Pay particular attention to growths that:
Are new
Change over time
Fail to heal
Bleed repeatedly
Become painful
Look noticeably different from other spots
For patients with a family history of skin cancer, this habit can be especially useful.
When Should I Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening?
Consider a dermatology evaluation if you have:
A personal history of skin cancer
A family history of skin cancer
Numerous moles
A changing mole
A new or unusual growth
A lesion that will not heal
Significant cumulative sun exposure
A spot that repeatedly bleeds or crusts
A mole you cannot easily monitor yourself
Even when no suspicious lesions are found, the examination can provide a baseline for future comparison.
Skin Cancer Screening and Mole Checks in Houston and Katy, Texas
This 32-year-old patient's examination provided reassuring findings.
Despite her family history of non-melanoma skin cancer, no suspicious lesions were identified during her visit.
Her existing moles appeared benign, and one mole on the right upper back was photographed and documented for future monitoring. She also received counseling on monthly self-examinations and broad-spectrum sun protection.
At the same visit, several contagious warts on her right hand were treated with liquid nitrogen.
If you are concerned about a family history of skin cancer, changing moles, new growths, or unexplained skin lesions, a comprehensive dermatologic examination can help determine what requires treatment and what can safely be monitored.
Patients searching for a skin cancer screening in Houston, Texas, mole check in Katy, Texas, or evaluation of changing skin lesions can schedule an appointment with Village Dermatology.
