Biopsy found Biden’s skin lesion was a common skin cancer, White House doctor says

The White House on Friday confirmed President Joe Biden’s skin lesion that was removed during his physical last month was basal cell carcinoma — a very common and treatable skin cancer. All cancerous tissue was removed and no further treatment is required, his doctor said.

In a memo on Friday, the president’s doctor noted that basal cell lesions “do not tend to ‘spread’ or metastasize,” as other serious skin cancers do. During Biden’s physical last month, the area of the skin on his chest was removed via electrodesiccation and curettage, a common skin cancer treatment that involves scraping and removing the skin with a sharp instrument and a high-frequency electric current. The doctor sent the lesion for a biopsy on Feb. 16.

“The site of the biopsy has healed nicely and the President will continue dermatologic surveillance as part of his ongoing comprehensive health care,” Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician, wrote Friday.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Approximately 3.6 million cases of this skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. First lady Jill Biden also had three lesions removed in January, and one was determined to be a basal cell carcinoma above her right eye.

The biopsy results come about three weeks after Biden went to Walter Reed Medical Center for his second annual physical since taking office. His health report described an 80-year-old president who is “healthy,” “vigorous” and “fit to successfully execute the duties” of his office.