First Lady Jill Biden underwent surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Wednesday, January 11, to remove two cancerous skin lesions, according to a statement from White House Physician Kevin O’Connor.
Doctors confirmed that a small lesion above the First Lady’s right eye was basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. They also identified a lesion on the left side of her chest that appeared to be consistent with basal cell carcinoma. In addition, the surgeons removed a lesion from Biden’s left eyelid and sent it to a lab for further analysis.
Dr. O’Connor stated that the First Lady is “experiencing some facial swelling and bruising but is in good spirits and feeling well.” She is expected to return to the White House on Wednesday evening.
“All cancerous tissue was successfully removed, and the margins were clear of any residual skin cancer cells,” Dr. O’Connor said in a memo released by the First Lady’s press office. “We will monitor the area closely as it heals, but do not anticipate any more procedures will be needed.”
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, it is usually curable with surgery and radiation. The surgery was done as a precautionary measure, and the White House officials said that the First Lady is feeling well and is in good spirits.
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