Biden, 80, had a cancerous lesion removed from his chest during a medical exam last month, White House doctor reveals
- Biden had a chest injury removed during February medical exam
- He was determined to be cancerous
- All basal cellular material removed, Biden needs no further treatment
The lesion removed from President Joe Biden’s chest last month during his annual medical exam was cancerous, the White House doctor announced on Friday, but he said all basal cell tissue had been removed.
“The biopsy confirmed that the small lesion was a basal cell carcinoma. All cancerous tissue was successfully removed,” said Dr. Kevin O’Connor.
“No other treatment is necessary.”
Biden, 80, is healing “well” at the biopsy site and “will continue dermatological monitoring as part of his ongoing comprehensive health care,” O’Connor noted.
The president had a skin lesion removed from his chest during his annual medical examination on February 16.
President Joe Biden had a chest injury removed during February medical exam
O’Connor, in his assessment of the president, still deemed him physically fit for office. He described Biden as “healthy” and “vigorous.”
The president is not the only family member to be diagnosed with skin cancer.
Jill Biden underwent Mohs surgery in late January to remove lesions from each eyelid and on her chest. All cancer cells have been removed.
The Bidens enjoy going to the beach and often relax by spending time in the sun. The couple also cycle a lot.
The president got his annual health check ahead of the 2024 election where he is expected to run for a second term in the White House.
At the time of the physical exam, O’Connor noted that Biden had removed the lesion and the results would be available at a later date.
President Joe Biden returns to the Oval Office after his annual medical exam on February 16
O’Connor said Biden’s gait “remains stiff,” but noted that it hasn’t worsened since the president’s last exam.
There was also a detailed “neurological examination” which found nothing “consistent with a cerebellar or central neurological disorder”.
Biden did not receive a cognitive test despite a few calls from Republicans for him to receive one. Republicans are questioning his suitability to run for office, which they are expected to use as a political stake in the next election.
Biden is already the oldest president in US history, and if he wins another term, he will be 82 by the time of his second inauguration.
WHAT IS BASAL CELL CARCINOMA?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer other than melanoma.
Non-melanoma means that it does not involve pigment cells in the skin.
BCC often appears as scabs that bleed
CBC accounts for over 80% of all forms of skin cancer in the UK and USA.
Around 5.4 million basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the US and around 100,000 in the UK.
It is mainly caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds.
CBC can occur anywhere on the body, but is most common in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and ears.
The following people are most at risk:
- People with fair skin or light hair
- Those who work outside
- People who use tanning beds
- Those with a personal history of the condition
CBC is usually painless. Early symptoms often include only a scab that bleeds occasionally and does not heal.
Some appear as flat, red, scaly marks or have a pearl-like edge. The latter can then erode into an ulcer.
Others are lumpy with shiny nodules crossed by blood vessels.
Most BCCs can be cured, however, the treatment is complex if left for a long time.
Treatment usually involves removing the cancerous tumor and some of the surrounding skin.
Source: British Skin Foundation And NHS choice
