“Should I Be Worried If My Moles Haven’t Changed Since My Last Skin Check?”
At Village Dermatology in Katy, Texas and Houston, Texas, many patients return for follow-up visits to monitor their moles and other skin spots. One of the most common questions dermatologists hear during these visits is:
“If my moles look the same as last year, do I still need to keep checking them?”
A 52-year-old female patient recently came in for a follow-up visit after previously being evaluated for benign moles (nevi) located on her body, including her left forearm and upper back.
She had been seen several months earlier, and photographs were taken to monitor the lesions. At this visit, the goal was to ensure the moles remained stable and showed no signs of skin cancer.
Monitoring Moles Over Time
During the follow-up visit, a dermatologic examination was performed using a dermatoscope, a specialized magnifying tool dermatologists use to examine skin lesions in detail.
The patient’s moles were carefully evaluated and documented.
Two specific lesions that were previously monitored included:
Left distal dorsal forearm – 4 mm mole
Left medial upper back – 4.5 mm mole
Both lesions remained:
Regular in shape
Symmetrical
Evenly pigmented
These characteristics are consistent with benign nevi, meaning the moles are non-cancerous and stable.
Because the lesions had not changed, the recommended approach was continued observation.
What Are Benign Nevi?
Benign nevi are very common skin growths composed of clusters of pigment-producing cells.
They typically appear as:
Small brown or tan spots
Evenly colored macules or papules
Symmetrical lesions with smooth borders
Most adults have 10 to 40 moles on their body, and they are usually harmless.
However, dermatologists recommend monitoring moles because changes over time can signal early skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
Why Dermatologists Take Photographs of Moles
At Village Dermatology, clinical photos may be taken to help monitor moles over time.
This allows dermatologists to:
Compare lesions during future visits
Detect subtle changes early
Avoid unnecessary biopsies when lesions remain stable
This approach is especially helpful for patients with multiple moles.
Other Common Skin Findings
In addition to benign moles, this patient had other common and harmless skin conditions.
Lentigines (Sun Spots)
Lentigines are light tan or brown spots caused by sun exposure.
They often appear on sun-exposed areas such as:
Face
Arms
Chest
Back
Although they are harmless, some patients choose treatment for cosmetic reasons.
Possible treatments include:
Retinoid creams
Chemical peels
Laser treatments
Skin-brightening products
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is essential to prevent new spots from forming.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Another finding during the visit was sebaceous hyperplasia, located on the patient’s cheek.
Sebaceous hyperplasia occurs when oil glands enlarge and appear as:
Small yellow or flesh-colored bumps
Soft dome-shaped papules
Often located on the face
These lesions are completely benign and do not require treatment.
However, if desired, they can be treated with:
Electrodesiccation
Laser therapy
Topical retinoids
How to Monitor Your Moles at Home
Patients were advised to perform monthly self-skin exams to look for any changes in their moles.
Dermatologists recommend following the ABCDE rule when checking moles:
A – Asymmetry
B – Border irregularity
C – Color changes
D – Diameter larger than 6 mm
E – Evolving (changing over time)
If a mole begins to:
Grow
Change color
Become irregular
Itch, bleed, or become painful
it should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
The Importance of Annual Skin Exams
Even when moles appear normal, annual skin exams with a dermatologist are recommended.
Routine skin checks help detect:
Early melanoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Other suspicious lesions
Early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes.
Skin Monitoring and Dermatology Care in Katy and Houston, Texas
At Village Dermatology, we provide comprehensive skin evaluations including:
Full-body skin exams
Mole monitoring
Skin cancer screenings
Dermatoscopic evaluation
Treatment of benign and cosmetic skin lesions
If you have moles you want checked or changes in your skin, our dermatology team can help.
Schedule a skin exam at Village Dermatology in Katy or Houston, Texas to ensure your skin remains healthy.
