(CNN) President Joe Biden’s doctor said Friday that an abscess had been removed The President’s chest last month Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor wrote in a letter to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre that the lesion was removed and biopsied. “As expected,” the lesion tested positive for basal cell carcinoma, O’Connor wrote.
“All cancerous tissue was successfully removed,” O’Connor wrote.
He said Biden would continue “dermatological monitoring” going forward. Biden’s doctor said “no further treatment is necessary.”
O’Connor said the area where the cancerous lesion was removed “healed well.”
The letter added: “Basal cell carcinoma lesions do not ‘spread’ or metastasize, as some serious skin cancers such as melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma are known to do.”
The abscess was initially removed during Biden’s annual physical in February. The White House announced at the time that the wound had been removed for testing.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden had a process Earlier this year to remove similar sores.
According to a letter released by O’Connor in January, Jill Biden underwent a Moss operation to remove and examine a lesion above her right eye, which was discovered during a routine skin cancer screening.
“The procedure confirmed that the small lesion was basal cell carcinoma,” O’Connor wrote in the letter. “All cancerous tissue was successfully removed, and the margins were clear of residual skin cancer cells.”
However, during a pre-operative consultation, O’Connor noted that “an additional area of concern was identified on the left side of the first lady’s chest.” This area was treated with Moss surgery.
In February, O’Connor reported that President Biden was “healthy” and “vigorous” after his physical and was “fit to successfully carry out the duties of the presidency.”
Examinations of the President’s head, ear, eyes, nose and throat were normal. A “very comprehensive” neurological examination found no findings consistent with stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
Biden is still experiencing a “stiff gait” and has been prescribed custom orthotics to help his feet. He works out consistently five days a week, and his contact lens prescription is renewed.
O’Connor’s statement could be the last health update before Biden makes his re-election intentions known in the coming months.
Basal cell carcinoma of the skin is one of the most common cancers in the United States, and treatment is most effective when the cancer is detected early.
These cancers often appear discolored and scaling and can cause sores or ulcers and, in some cases, can be very large and unsightly. They can metastasize or spread to internal organs, causing organ failure and death.
Like other skin cancers, melanoma, these diseases are highly associated with exposure to sunlight and sun exposure. People with fair skin and freckles and/or red hair are especially at risk. A person with basal cell is also at risk of developing squamous cell or melanoma.
Many people have minor injuries burned or amputated several times a year. Although inconvenient, it helps reduce the risk of disease transmission.
This story has been updated with additional reporting.
