On Wednesday, First Lady Jill Biden had two cancerous lesions removed, one above her right eye and another on the left side of her chest.
According to a memorandum from Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Physician to the President, “at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, First Lady Jill Biden underwent her scheduled outpatient procedure, commonly known as Mohs surgery, to remove and examine a small lesion above her right eye.”
“The procedure confirmed that the small lesion was basal cell carcinoma. All cancerous tissue was successfully removed, and the margins were clear of any residual skin cancer cells. We will monitor the area closely as it heals, but do not anticipate any more procedures will be needed,” O’Connor added.
“Further, during her pre-operative consultation, an additional area of concern was identified on the left side of the First Lady’s chest,” O’Connor wrote. “The appearance of this lesion was consistent with potential basal cell carcinoma. This lesion was also excised utilizing Mohs surgery, and basal cell carcinoma was confirmed. Again, all cancerous tissue was successfully removed, and the margins were clear of any residual skin cancer cells.”
O’Connor also noted that “Basal cell carcinoma lesions do not tend to ‘spread’ or metastasize, as some more serious skin cancers such as melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma are known to do.”
The president’s physician concluded the memo by saying that the first lady was resting and on her way to recovery.
“As anticipated, the First Lady is experiencing some facial swelling and bruising, but is in good spirits and is feeling well. She will return to the White House later today,” he wrote.
Update on First Lady Jill Biden’s health following a medical procedure today at Walter Reed -> pic.twitter.com/DYKsvL5iP1
— Mike Emanuel 🇺🇸 (@MikeEmanuelFox) January 11, 2023