Annual Skin Exam in Katy, Texas: Early Detection of Benign Lesions & Sun Damage in a 42-Year-Old Female
At Village Dermatology in Katy and Houston, Texas, early detection of skin concerns remains a cornerstone of our commitment to long-term skin health. In this patient case, a 42-year-old female presented for a routine full-body skin exam — a vital preventive measure that plays a critical role in identifying both benign and potentially concerning skin lesions.
Patient Presentation
This new patient visited our Katy dermatology clinic for a full-body skin examination. While she reported no personal or family history of skin cancer, she sought ongoing monitoring due to a variety of skin lesions that had developed over the years. These lesions were spread across the body, and her primary concern was ensuring they remained non-cancerous.
Comprehensive Skin Exam Findings
A meticulous examination was performed, covering all areas of the body — from the scalp to the soles of the feet. A dermatoscope was used to enhance lesion visualization, allowing for in-depth assessment of pigmentation patterns and structural features.
Key dermatological findings included:
Benign Nevi (moles) with uniform globular patterns:
4mm nevus in the left inframammary crease
7mm nevus on the left midfoot
5mm nevus on the right buttock
Lentigines (sun spots) were also observed, presenting as reticulated light tan macules across the trunk — consistent with cumulative sun damage.
History of tanning bed use noted on the inferior thoracic spine, which increases long-term risk for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Treatment & Preventive Counseling
Although all lesions were deemed non-malignant, this visit offered an excellent opportunity for preventive counseling:
Sun Protection: The patient was educated on the use of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and encouraged to wear sun-protective clothing.
Tanning Bed Risks: Counseling addressed the well-documented carcinogenic impact of tanning beds, emphasizing their role in skin aging and cancer development.
Monthly Self-Skin Checks: The patient was advised to monitor her moles for any changes in size, shape, color, itching, or bleeding.
Next Steps
The patient was advised to return annually for full-body skin checks or sooner if changes are noticed. No biopsies were needed at this time, but her comprehensive screening ensures early intervention, should any lesion become suspicious in the future.
