How many abnormal moles should I have biopsied? And does it really decrease my chances of getting skin cancer?, 11 Questions You Should Ask Your Dermatologist

Skin care

11 Questions You Should Ask Your Dermatologist

Want to get the most out of your next visit to the skin care doc? Start taking notes

July 14, 2010 | by Molly Roemer | 32 COMMENTS

How many abnormal moles should I have biopsied? And does it really decrease my chances of getting skin cancer?

If you're mole-y and/or at high risk for skin cancer, chances are you've had some spots removed. And while some dermatologists are biopsy-happy and fare on the cautious side, interestingly enough, Dr. Moy says it doesn't necessary decrease your chances of getting skin cancer. This is because skin cancer typically arises from new moles -- not pre-existing ones.

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This is a horrible article, FULL of misleading information! A good dermatologist cares about your HEALTH and wants to check your body for skin cancer, not talk about botox or how to make you LOOK better! If you want to talk about cosmetic concerns than make sure you see a COSMETIC dermatologist. Acne is NOT affected by your diet. And skin cancer can show up ANYWHERE on your body, it is NOT more common in new moles! It can show up even in places you don't have a mole, even in places that have never seen sun. I know this because I've worked for several dermatologists.

by dermgirl101 Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 02:50AM Report as inappropriate

good info.

by butterfly11 Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 02:27PM Report as inappropriate

Helpful and important! I'd like to add that a lot of the foods we eat are devoid of important nutrients due to processing and cooking. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential to good health.

by GigiSD Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 08:24AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks, nice info

by EricaF123 Friday, December 28, 2012 at 05:15PM Report as inappropriate

if you have health insurance, i think you should take advantage of going to see a dermatologist, but sadly some dermatologist don't really care, they would just give you what you want rather than checking at your skin thoroughly

by mosh Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 09:41PM Report as inappropriate

I'm saving this to ask!

by asiagirl4ever Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 09:07PM Report as inappropriate

very interesting ;)

by mayra_alonzo Friday, April 27, 2012 at 07:04PM Report as inappropriate

Very Informative!

by powerwoman033 Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 11:33PM Report as inappropriate

super helpful, thanks!

by sportimonki13 Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 12:57AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting article.

by hananoire Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 04:19PM Report as inappropriate

Always good things to keep in mind.

by lazorc Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 07:32PM Report as inappropriate

I'll make sure to be asking my dermatologist soon :)

by brendag20127 Monday, March 5, 2012 at 06:06PM Report as inappropriate

Too bad I don't have a dermatologist! :(

by MissXu Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 09:55PM Report as inappropriate

Very helpful, thanks TB

by LittleBunny Friday, December 16, 2011 at 11:52AM Report as inappropriate

Good reminders

by Only1KimmieD Friday, October 14, 2011 at 10:06AM Report as inappropriate

Very helpful since I'm going to the dermatologist today.

by taryn.romero Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 06:51AM Report as inappropriate

I wish I had a skin doctor lol

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 02:12AM Report as inappropriate

Helpful article with usefull information.

by MissPurple Monday, August 1, 2011 at 11:49AM Report as inappropriate

This was a helpful article! I'm kinda familiar with the stuff mentioned in the article, but it was nice to have a refresher course and get some product recommendations!

by awan0912 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 10:56AM Report as inappropriate

helpful article!

by eleni_papageorgiou Monday, May 30, 2011 at 06:54AM Report as inappropriate

Good info!

by elena62 Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 09:15AM Report as inappropriate

very helpful

by modinosaur Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 12:58AM Report as inappropriate

awesome tips, sunscreen in really an investment and can prevent a lot of damage, wrinkles everything. i'm glad that i wear sunscreen all over everyday, thanks for the article.

by RoleModel Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 11:50PM Report as inappropriate

love this.

by yckitsmary Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 09:54PM Report as inappropriate

Great article!!!!!

by knc1216 Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 10:13AM Report as inappropriate

Just because you do not burn does not necessarily mean that you have not done damage, particularly if you are fair skinned. Ten to twenty minutes of sun a day is all you need for you body to effectively interact with Vitamin D.

by bailey7 Friday, February 18, 2011 at 10:15AM Report as inappropriate

You only need 10 minutes of sun on your face and hands each day to produce all the Vitamin D your body needs. More than that is unnecessary, risking skin damage and cancer.

by Odori Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 07:20PM Report as inappropriate

I am tired about hearing how EVIL the sun is too! You should get some sun on your skin every now & then. Just do not burn yourself!

by pynkNymphette Monday, January 24, 2011 at 08:23PM Report as inappropriate

Hmnph! This was the wrong article for me! "/

by royalpoison Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 11:43PM Report as inappropriate

yep...Most women right now (in the real world) can't even afford to go to a dermatologist. And if they did....I believe skin CA would have top billing. Also rosacea and other Serious Problems! Most drs. I've been to barely have time to look at your problem areas and LISTEN! I have moles all over my body and one female "Dr?" years ago....didn't even look at my body or one mole! Not really funny...considering the possible outcomes of such negligence....Women's healthcare is sad. And I was a nurse at the time. Doesn't matter......

by BlueHeron Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 12:57AM Report as inappropriate

I agree... and saying that staying out of the sun will prevent skin cancer? Talk about zombies with vitiman D deficiencys...depression anyone?

by Josie116 Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 02:24PM Report as inappropriate

Health care! Even a beauty article has to be political--?

by bbfirecracker Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 12:28PM Report as inappropriate

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