The incident involved a medical procedure performed on the president of the United States, Joe Biden. On February 16, a skin lesion was surgically removed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and initial pathology indicated carcinoma cells. The White House later confirmed that the operation was successful and that the president is continuing to fulfill his official duties.
The White House physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, explained that the procedure coincided with the president’s routine medical evaluation. At the time, officials stated that Biden remained healthy and physically capable of carrying out his responsibilities while under medical care. This clarification came as part of routine updates about the president’s health status following the appointment and subsequent treatment.
According to the statement issued after the visit, the skin lesion on Biden’s chest was excised. The removed tissue was sent to a pathology lab for biopsy, and the preliminary findings confirmed the presence of carcinoma cells as anticipated by the medical team. This confirmation is part of standard post-surgical assessment to determine any need for additional treatment or follow-up.
The physicians described the cancerous tissue removal as complete. The president’s doctor noted that the entire affected area had been treated with a method known as electrodesiccation, a technique that uses high-frequency electrical currents to dry and destroy abnormal tissue. This approach is commonly employed for certain types of non-melanoma skin cancers and aims to minimize the risk of recurrence when the lesion is well-defined and localized.
The White House report also indicated that the basal cell carcinoma lesions identified during examination were present in the treated area. Basal cell carcinoma is typically slow-growing and has a low likelihood of metastasis. Nevertheless, medical professionals stress that even seemingly small lesions can require timely intervention to prevent local tissue damage or spread if left untreated.
The medical team acknowledged that while basal cell carcinoma is less prone to spreading compared with other skin cancers such as melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma, certain lesions can grow and cause complications if not managed appropriately. Ongoing monitoring remains a key part of the care plan to ensure timely detection of any changes in skin health.
According to the medical report, the treatment site has healed satisfactorily to date. Physicians emphasized that follow-up care will continue with dermatological evaluations to monitor for new lesions and to assess the overall condition of the skin in exposed areas. Regular checkups are standard procedure after skin cancer treatment to ensure early identification of any recurrence or new developments.