Wife’s creative approach to doctor’s appointment has everyone laughing—and a little safer

Brinlee Miles, a 20-year-old from Utah, didn't want to take any chances with her husband Ryan's health, especially given his family history of skin cancer. Before his dermatology appointment, she took a pen and circled the suspicious moles on his back and chest that she wanted checked out, ensuring the doctor wouldn't miss any potential issues. To her delight, the doctor not only addressed her concerns but also went a step further by adding detailed notes next to each circled mole.

In a TikTok video that has since gone viral, Brinlee shared her meticulous approach. The video, viewed over 11.5 million times, shows Ryan proudly displaying the notes the dermatologist left by each circled mole after his appointment. The notes indicated which moles were benign and which required further testing and biopsy.

Brinlee explained to BuzzFeed that they had been monitoring some of Ryan's moles for a while, particularly those on his back that he couldn't easily see. The dermatologist confirmed that one of the moles on Ryan's chest contained early-stage cancer cells and needed to be removed. Another mole on his back appeared benign but would still be monitored for any changes.

The dermatologist also mentioned that it's not uncommon for spouses to send their partners to appointments with circled moles or notes. This was echoed by numerous medical professionals in the comments section of the TikTok video. One user, a dermatology nurse, praised Brinlee's initiative, saying, "We love when this happens!! Good job looking out."

Another commenter, who also works in dermatology, noted that they see this scenario at least twice a week. They added that many male patients rely on their wives to spot concerning moles on their backs. This method is not only practical but also potentially life-saving, as it ensures that suspicious moles get the attention they need.

Let Brinlee's cleverness remind you to keep an eye on your moles, and if you can't see them all, have someone you love grab a marker before you head to your next appointment.

Editor's Note: The article was originally published in July 2024.