“My Moles Haven’t Changed… So Why Do I Still Need to Get Them Checked?”
By: Dr. Ashley Baldree
At Village Dermatology in Katy, Texas and Houston, Texas, one of the most common questions patients ask during follow-up visits is:
“If my moles look the same, do I really need to keep checking them?”
A 52-year-old female patient recently came in for a follow-up evaluation of benign moles (nevi) located on her body, including her left forearm and upper back. These moles had previously been measured and documented during her last visit.
Why Follow-Up Visits for Moles Matter
During this visit, a detailed skin examination was performed using a dermatoscope, allowing for close evaluation of the patient’s moles.
The previously monitored lesions measured:
4 mm on the left forearm
4.5 mm on the upper back
Importantly, both lesions remained:
Symmetrical
Evenly colored
Stable in size
These findings are consistent with benign nevi, meaning the moles are non-cancerous and do not require treatment.
However, even stable moles should continue to be monitored over time.
Why You Still Need to Monitor “Normal” Moles
Even when moles appear unchanged, dermatologists recommend continued surveillance because:
Skin changes can happen gradually and subtly
New moles or lesions may develop
Early skin cancer can mimic benign moles
A baseline comparison helps detect future changes
Regular monitoring ensures that any concerning changes are caught early, when treatment is most effective.
What Are Benign Nevi?
Benign nevi are extremely common and typically appear as:
Small brown or tan spots
Round or oval in shape
Evenly pigmented
Smooth borders
Most adults have multiple moles, and the majority remain harmless throughout life.
Other Common Skin Findings
During the exam, the patient also had additional benign skin conditions.
Lentigines (Sun Spots)
Lentigines are light brown spots caused by cumulative sun exposure.
They are commonly found on:
Arms
Face
Chest
Back
While harmless, they can be improved cosmetically with:
Retinoids
Chemical peels
Daily sun protection is key to preventing new spots.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
The patient also had sebaceous hyperplasia on the cheek.
These appear as:
Small yellow or flesh-colored bumps
Enlarged oil glands
Dome-shaped papules
They are completely benign and do not require treatment, but can be removed if desired using:
Laser therapy
Electrodessication
How to Check Your Moles at Home
Patients were advised to perform monthly self-skin exams.
Use the ABCDE rule when evaluating moles:
A – Asymmetry
B – Border irregularity
C – Color variation
D – Diameter (larger than 6 mm)
E – Evolving (changing over time)
If any mole changes in size, shape, color, or begins to itch or bleed, it should be evaluated promptly.
The Role of Sunscreen in Skin Health
Patients were strongly encouraged to use:
Sun-protective clothing when outdoors
Sunscreen helps:
Prevent new moles and sun spots
Reduce skin cancer risk
Protect against premature aging
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
You should schedule a skin exam if you notice:
New moles
Changes in existing moles
Spots that itch, bleed, or grow
Any lesion that looks different from others (“ugly duckling sign”)
Even without changes, annual skin checks are recommended.
Dermatology Care in Katy and Houston, Texas
At Village Dermatology, we specialize in:
Full-body skin exams
Mole monitoring and dermoscopy
Skin cancer screening and prevention
Treatment of benign skin lesions
If you have concerns about your moles or skin spots, our dermatology team is here to help.
