Skin Cancer Screening and Biopsies

I went to a new dermatologist today (that is closer to our house than the previous one) and had a skin check done. I go twice a year for skin checks since all four of the moles that I've had removed previously have had pathology results of mildly dysplastic (abnormal). I've never been one to lay out in the sun or tan, have been careful about sun exposure in the past, and only had a few burns ever, so it surprised me to have had several abnormal areas. The reason I went for my first skin check two years ago is because we have a dear family friend who is battling stage 4 melanoma. His experience has made me more aware of skin health and the need for everyone to get regular skin checks by a dermatologist. Today the dermatologist found two more very small moles that she thought looked suspicious, so she removed them with punch biopsies. I now have stitches on my left knee and the back of my right leg. I'll have to wait 7 to 10 days for pathology results which is nerve-wracking, but I'm glad to now be in the routine of regular skin checks and encourage anyone reading this to schedule one for yourself too!