Jill Biden Has Skin Cancer Removed From Face And Chest

Topline

Surgeons on Wednesday removed one cancerous lesion from above first lady Jill Biden’s right eye and another from her chest, White House Dr. Kevin O’Connor said, though she appears to have a good prognosis and will return to the White House in the evening.

Key Facts

The lesions were the result of basal cell carcinoma—the most common type of skin cancer—which is typically easily treatable if caught early, as it does not spread rapidly in most cases.

Another lesion was detected above the first lady’s left eyelid before the surgery, which was also removed and is being examined, according to the White House.

Biden, 71, “is experiencing some facial swelling and bruising,” O’Connor said, but is otherwise feeling well.

Key Background

The president and first lady spent the day Wednesday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for the outpatient procedure. Cancer was suspected to be the cause of the lesion above the right eyelid, since it was recently discovered during a planned cancer screening. The additional lesions were not expected, but do not necessarily indicate a more severe form of the disease. Biden underwent a routine operation known as Mohs surgery, which involves removing layers of skin from afflicted areas until the cancer is cleared. O’Connor said the lesions were all “fully excised” and it’s believed all the cancer was successfully removed.

Crucial Quote

“We will monitor the area closely as it heals, but do not anticipate any more procedures will be needed,” O’Connor said of the lesion above the right eye, which prompted the procedure.

Further Reading

Jill Biden is having Mohs surgery for a skin lesion. What is the procedure like? (NPR)