Jill Biden To Have Surgery on Her Eye

(TheRedWire.com) – According to the National Institutes of Health, skin cancer, nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), and cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) are among the most common forms of cancer. The federal health agency noted that early detection reduces mortality and morbidity rates for those who receive screenings. On Wednesday, January 4, Physician to the President, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, issued a statement saying First Lady Jill Biden will have a “dermatologic procedure.”

Dr. O’Connor said that during a routine skin cancer screening, results found a small lesion above her right eye. While he didn’t say if it was malignant, doctors recommended removing it out of an “abundance of caution.” The White House memo said doctors scheduled the routine outpatient procedure for Wednesday, January 11, at the Walter Reed National Military Center. O’Connor noted the procedure, known as a “Mohs surgery,” removes the lesion and allows medical providers to examine the tissue to determine if it is malignant.

During a routine skin cancer screening, a small lesion was found above the First Lady’s right eye. Memo here from Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Physician to the President, with more information on the First Lady’s upcoming outpatient procedure to have it removed and examined. pic.twitter.com/DIQrnjtZFc

— Vanessa Valdivia (@vvaldivia46) January 4, 2023

According to the Mayo Clinic, Mohs Surgery involves cutting thin layers of skin and examining them closely under a microscope for evidence of cancer. A surgeon repeats the process until margins around the area show no cancerous cells. If doctors discover cancer during the Mohs surgery, the procedure removes it without harming healthy flesh and ensures its complete removal.

In the 1930s, Dr. Frederick Mohs developed the innovative treatment for those suffering from skin cancer. While technological advances have updated the procedure through the years, doctors still primarily rely upon the technique to treat the disease. They especially choose it when they want to keep vital tissues healthy near uneven edges, around fast-growing malignancies, or if a recurrence seems likely.

O’Connor said he would keep the White House apprised should the First Lady’s health or treatment plan change.