President Biden Undergoes Surgery to Remove Basal Cell Carcinoma
President Joe Biden had a cancerous skin lesion removed from his chest last month during a routine health screening, the White House has said. According to his physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the lesion was identified as basal cell carcinoma, a very common form of skin cancer. O’Connor said in a letter released Friday that all cancerous tissue was successfully removed and no further treatment is required.[0] The area of the biopsy has healed nicely and the President will continue dermatologic surveillance as part of his ongoing comprehensive healthcare.[1]
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer worldwide, with an estimated 2 million Americans diagnosed each year. It does not tend to spread or metastasize, as more serious skin cancers like melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma can.[2] This type of carcinoma can increase in size, making it harder to remove during surgery.[3]
Earlier in the year, first lady Dr. Jill Biden had a surgical procedure to remove cancerous lesions on her chest and face. The procedure, called Mohs surgery, is a technique used to remove the lesions and can be highly effective when the cancer is detected early.[4]
The state of Joe Biden's health has become a topic of discussion, with many voters worrying about his age as he is close to announcing his plans to run for a second term.[5] After his physical exam in February, O’Connor said in a memo that the president remains “a healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency.”[6]
Those with fair skin and those who do not take the proper measures to protect their skin from the sun are more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.[4] According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is important to practice sun safety by wearing sunscreen, avoiding peak hours of sun exposure, and wearing protective clothing. It is also recommended to have regular skin screenings and to take note of any changes in the skin. Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the chances of a successful outcome.
0. “What to know about President Joe Biden's skin cancer” The Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/03/03/president-biden-skin-cancer-what-is-basal-cell/
1. “Joe Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, White House says” The Guardian US, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/03/biden-cancerous-skin-lesion-removed-chest-white-house
2. “Joe Biden Had Basal Cell Cancerous Tissue Removed From Chest, His Doctor Says” Deadline, 3 Mar. 2023, https://deadline.com/2023/03/joe-biden-skin-cancer-basal-cell-1235278255
3. “Biden had skin cancer removed from chest during his physical, White House says” NPR, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/03/03/1161049252/biden-skin-cancer
4. “President Biden Had Cancerous Skin Lesion Removed, White House Physician Says” TODAY, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.today.com/health/skin-beauty/president-biden-cancer-skin-rcna73359
5. “Biden had small cancerous lesion removed, White House doctor says” MarketWatch, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.marketwatch.com/story/biden-had-small-cancerous-lesion-removed-white-house-doctor-says-40e8b213
6. “Biden has skin cancer lesion removed – White House” msnNOW, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/biden-has-skin-cancer-lesion-removed-white-house/ar-AA18bYKb
