Does Biden have cancer? Well, yes and no... it’s complicated

Joe Biden had a cancerous skin lesion removed in mid-February according to a memo from the President’s personal physician, but does this mean he has cancer?

In a memo to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Dr. Kevin O’Connor noted that the President had a skin lesion removed from his chest.

The procedure was done as part of Biden’s “comprehensive health assessment” and the tissue that was removed was sent for a “traditional biopsy.”

“As expected, the biopsy confirmed that the small lesion was basal cell carcinoma,” Dr. O’Connor wrote, before adding: “All cancerous tissue was successfully removed.”

Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most "common types of cancer" and can be cured according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is made up of round cells under the top layer of the epidermis.

“The area around the biopsy site was treated preemptively with electrodesiccation and curettage at the time of the therapy,” Dr. O’Connor continued. 

O’Connor added that the President wouldn't require any more treatment, however, the news of Biden’s cancerous lesion left some Americans wondering if he was fit for duty. 

Controversial Texas Republican Ronny Jackson took the opportunity provided by Biden’s cancer diagnosis to deride the President on Fox News with host Maria Bartiromo.

"I'll start by saying that Biden is the cancer,” Jackson said when asked by Bartiromo about Biden’s cancer diagnosis, cognitive functioning, and fitness for the office of President. “He’s what needs to be removed, not the lesion they found.”

Bartiromo allowed Jackosn to rant about the President’s cognitive issues but eventually voiced her sympathy for Biden, wishing him and his health all the best according to a Fox News report. 

"Obviously, we wish President Biden only the best as it relates to this cancer lesion that was removed. We all feel that way and pray for his health," Bartiromo said.

In his memo, Dr. O’Connor assured the American people that Biden’s skin lesion was an extremely common condition and not one that was known to spread in the body often. 

“Basel cell carcinoma lesions do not tend to ‘spread’ or metastasis, as some more skin cancers such as melanoma or squamous are known to do,” Dr. O’Connor wrote. 

“They do,” Dr. O’Connor added, “have the potential to increase in size, resulting in a more significant issue as well as increased challenges for surgical removal." 

Biden’s wound “healed nicely” according to the President’s doctor and O’Connor wrote that he planned to continue monitoring the Commander-in-Cheif’s skin as part of his regular healthcare checkups. 

The President was given a clean bill of health by O’Connor after his three-hour February 16th health assessment at Walter Reed. O'Connor wrote that Biden “remains a healthy, vigorous 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency.”

Biden has yet to officially announce his candidacy for the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential nomination, but when asked on March 3rd when he planned to make his announcement by reporters, Biden replied: “When I announce it,” according to Politico.