U.S. President Joe Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest in February that was a common type of skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma, and no further treatment is required, according to Friday's statement from White House physician Kevin O'Connor.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two of the most common types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is slow-growing cancer that usually develops on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands. It usually appears as a small, shiny, pink, or red bump that may bleed or develop a crust. BCC is rarely fatal, but it can cause disfigurement if left untreated.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is also usually caused by sun exposure and develops on areas of skin that have been damaged by the sun, such as the face, ears, lips, and backs of the hands. SCC usually appears as a scaly, red, or pink patch or bump that may bleed or develop a crust. SCC is more likely to spread to other parts of the body than BCC, but it is still usually treatable if caught early.
Both BCC and SCC can usually be treated with surgery or other procedures such as cryotherapy or radiation therapy. Prevention measures include limiting sun exposure, wearing protective clothing and sunscreen, and regularly checking the skin for any changes or abnormalities.
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