US President Joe Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed in February, says doctor

US President Joe Biden’s doctor revealed on Friday that a skin lesion removed from the president’s chest in February was a basal cell carcinoma, a type of cancer. He stated that the cancerous tissue had been successfully removed and that Biden would not require any further treatment.

The lesion was removed and biopsied, according to US President Joe Biden’s physician, Kevin C.O’Connor, in a letter to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. According to the White House letter, the skin lesion on Biden’s chest was removed on February 16 as part of his comprehensive health assessment. The biopsy confirmed that the small lesion was basal cell carcinoma, according to the doctor.

 “On 16 February, at Walter Reed National Medical Center, the President had a skin lesion removed from his chest as part of his comprehensive health assessment. This tissue was sent for traditional biopsy,” Kevin C.O’ Connor wrote in a letter to Karine Jean-Pierre.

“As expected, the biopsy confirmed that the small lesion was basal cell carcinoma. All cancerous tissue was successfully removed. The area around the biopsy site was treated presumptively with electrodessication and curettage at the time of biopsy. No further treatment is required,” Kevin C.O’ Connor further stated.

Kevin C.O’ Connor stated that the site of biopsy has nicely healed and Biden will continue dermatologic surveillance as part of the ongoing healthcare assessment.

US President Joe Biden’s physician in the letter noted, “Basal cell carcinoma lesions do not tend to ‘spread’ or metastasize, as some more serious skin cancers such as melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma are known to do.” 

He emphasised that the lesions have the potential to grow in size, creating more serious issues and challenges for surgical removal.

In February, Kevin C.O’ Connor had said that Biden remains “healthy” and “vigorous” after his physical and is “fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency,” CNN reported. According to the news, Biden’s head, ears, eyes, nose, and throat exams were all normal.

According to CNN, a neurologic exam revealed no findings consistent with stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. According to the news report, Biden still has a “stiff gait,” and he was prescribed custom orthotics to help with his feet.

US President Joe Biden continues to work out five days a week and his contact lens prescription was updated.