The president's physician said doctors removed two cancerous lesions from US first lady Jill Biden, one above her right eye and another on her chest. AP
The president's physician said doctors removed two cancerous lesions from US first lady Jill Biden, one above her right eye and another on her chest. AP
The president's physician said doctors removed two cancerous lesions from US first lady Jill Biden, one above her right eye and another on her chest. AP
The president's physician said doctors removed two cancerous lesions from US first lady Jill Biden, one above her right eye and another on her chest. AP

Jill Biden: US first lady undergoes surgery to remove cancerous lesion


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US first lady Jill Biden underwent successful surgery on Wednesday to remove a cancerous lesion discovered during a routine screening.

The cancerous tissue was successfully removed and doctors "do not anticipate any more procedures will be needed", said Dr Kevin O'Connor.

President Joe Biden accompanied his wife to the Walter Reed National Military Centre. She was expected to return to the White House later on Wednesday.

The small lesion was above Ms Biden’s right eye.

"As anticipated, the first lady is experiencing some facial swelling and bruising, but is in good spirits and doing well," Dr O'Connor said.

Ms Biden underwent a routine operation known as Mohs surgery to eliminate and examine the tissue.

An "additional area of concern" was discovered on the left side of Ms Biden's chest during her pre-operative consultation, which was similar to basal cell carcinoma.

Dr O'Connor said that all cancerous tissue from the lesion was removed in the Mohs operation.

The Mayo Clinic’s website says that Mohs surgery involves cutting away thin layers of skin and each layer is looked at closely for signs of cancer.

The process is repeated until there are no signs of cancer.

“The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove all of the skin cancer without hurting the healthy skin around it,” the Mayo Clinic said.

“Mohs surgery allows the surgeon to be sure that all the cancer is gone. This makes it more likely that the cancer is cured. It reduces the need for other treatments or more surgery.”

  • US first lady Jill Biden stands with Daria Peoples, an elementary school art teacher and children's book author from Las Vegas, Nevada, who contributed to the decorations. EPA
    US first lady Jill Biden stands with Daria Peoples, an elementary school art teacher and children's book author from Las Vegas, Nevada, who contributed to the decorations. EPA
  • Ms Biden thanks volunteers from across the country who helped decorate the White House for the holidays. Reuters
    Ms Biden thanks volunteers from across the country who helped decorate the White House for the holidays. Reuters
  • Ms Biden departs after speaking at the unveiling. AP
    Ms Biden departs after speaking at the unveiling. AP
  • A guest wears decorative attire as the first lady unveils this year's White House holiday theme and seasonal decor in the East Room of the White House. AP
    A guest wears decorative attire as the first lady unveils this year's White House holiday theme and seasonal decor in the East Room of the White House. AP
  • Ms Biden arrives for a roundtable discussion on education for military-connected children with National Guard families and state adjutants general in the Roosevelt Room at the White House after unveiling the Christmas decorations. AP
    Ms Biden arrives for a roundtable discussion on education for military-connected children with National Guard families and state adjutants general in the Roosevelt Room at the White House after unveiling the Christmas decorations. AP
  • Ms Biden in the Roosevelt Room with children of military families. AP
    Ms Biden in the Roosevelt Room with children of military families. AP
  • The roundtable discussion took place in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. AP
    The roundtable discussion took place in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. AP
  • The children had name placards like other visiting dignitaries. AP
    The children had name placards like other visiting dignitaries. AP
  • Some of the children's parents serve in the US National Guard. Reuters
    Some of the children's parents serve in the US National Guard. Reuters
  • Ms Biden receives the official 2022 White House Christmas tree with her grandson Beau. Reuters
    Ms Biden receives the official 2022 White House Christmas tree with her grandson Beau. Reuters
  • Ms Biden gave comments on the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado after receiving the tree. Reuters
    Ms Biden gave comments on the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado after receiving the tree. Reuters
  • Beau Biden, son of Hunter Biden, holds his grandmother's hand as she receives the tree. Reuters
    Beau Biden, son of Hunter Biden, holds his grandmother's hand as she receives the tree. Reuters
  • The tree arrives at the White House. Reuters
    The tree arrives at the White House. Reuters
  • Ms Biden greets volunteers who will decorate the White House for Christmas. AFP
    Ms Biden greets volunteers who will decorate the White House for Christmas. AFP
  • The tree stands in the Blue Room after being decorated. AFP
    The tree stands in the Blue Room after being decorated. AFP
  • The decorations include more than 83,000 twinkling lights on trees, garlands, wreaths and other displays, 77 Christmas trees and 25 wreaths on the exterior of the executive mansion. AFP
    The decorations include more than 83,000 twinkling lights on trees, garlands, wreaths and other displays, 77 Christmas trees and 25 wreaths on the exterior of the executive mansion. AFP

Reuters contributed to this report

Updated: January 12, 2023, 5:47 AM