Joe Biden had a cancerous skin lesion removed from his chest last month during his annual physical, the White House confirmed on Friday. President Biden's physician, Kevin O'Connor, said the lesion was basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that does not metastasise or spread to other parts of the body.
In a letter released to the press, Dr O'Connor stated: '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 the biopsy. No further treatment is required.'
The site of the biopsy had 'healed nicely', Dr O'Connor added, and the president will continue dermatologic surveillance as part of his ongoing comprehensive healthcare. The removal was initially announced after Biden's physical in February, but the biopsy results were only confirmed this week.
At 80, Biden is the oldest president in US history, and his health is closely monitored. He has not yet confirmed a run for re-election in 2024, though many expect him to do so. If successful, he would be 82 at the start of a second term and 86 at its end.
After his February physical, Dr O'Connor declared Biden 'remains fit for duty, and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations'. The president himself said: 'Everything really went well. Thank God for small favours.'
