Basal cell carcinoma, skin cancer removed from Joe Biden’s chest: what you need to know

A biopsy of a small mass taken from the chest of President Joe Biden confirmed the presence of basal cell carcinoma.

The doctors say that everything cancer tissue removed and no further treatment is required.

What is basal cell carcinoma – and what people should know about it common form of skin cancer?

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According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is not only the most common type of skin cancer, but also the most commonly diagnosed form of all cancers.

Approximately 3.6 million people are diagnosed each year in the United States.

President Joe Biden shields his eyes from the sun as he walks toward Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, October 20.  November 20, 2021 A biopsy of a small mass removed from the president's chest confirmed the presence of basal cell carcinoma.  Doctors say all of the cancerous tissue has been removed and no further treatment is needed.

President Joe Biden shields his eyes from the sun as he walks toward Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, October 20. November 20, 2021 A biopsy of a small mass removed from the president’s chest confirmed the presence of basal cell carcinoma. Doctors say all of the cancerous tissue has been removed and no further treatment is needed. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

“These cancers form in the basal cells of the skin, which line the deepest part of the epidermis—the outermost layer of the skin,” says Dr. Saya Obayan, a board certified dermatologist practicing in Austin, Texas and a spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation, told Fox News Digital in an interview with Fox News Digital. preliminary interview.

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“Nearly all BCCs occur on parts of the body that are overly exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back.”

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation – whether from the sun or a tanning bed – can lead to uncontrolled growth of basal cells.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation - whether from the sun or a tanning bed - can lead to uncontrolled growth of basal cells.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation – whether from the sun or a tanning bed – can lead to uncontrolled growth of basal cells. (iStock)

As with all skin cancers, rapid detection and action are key.

“Because BCCs grow slowly, most of them are curable and cause minimal damage if detected early,” the doctor said. both

As with all skin cancers, rapid detection and action are key.

BCC is the most common malignant neoplasm in white people. Mark Siegel, medical columnist for Fox News based in New York.

It also accounts for 80% of non-melanoma skin cancers.

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“In general, it is easily treatable and almost never spreads,” he said.

Important signs

A common warning sign is an open sore that heals slowly or repeatedly heals and returns.

Other red flags include irritation or red patches on the skin; a “shiny bump or knot” of clear pink, red, or white; or a small pink growth, according to the Skin Care Foundation website.

Each year, approximately 3.6 million people in the United States are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma.

More worrisome is a “scar-like area that is flat, white, yellow, or waxy,” which may be a sign of a more invasive form of basal cell carcinoma.

Treatment of basal cell carcinoma

“This type of skin cancer is very common. treated with local surgeryalthough it can also be removed with creams or radiation,” Dr. Siegel said.

Other treatments for CCC may include topical medications and cryosurgery, in which tumors are frozen with liquid nitrogen.

Other treatments for CCC may include topical medications and cryosurgery, in which tumors are frozen with liquid nitrogen. (iStock)

A procedure called Mohs surgery is considered the most effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma.

First used in the late 1960s and 70s, Mohs has an impressive 99% success rate for treating lesions.

“The Mohs operation works by removing cancer cells in layers to preserve healthy tissue,” says Dr. Siegel explained.

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Other treatments for CCC may include topical medications and cryosurgery, in which tumors are frozen with liquid nitrogen, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Other common skin cancers

The second most common form of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is also caused by exposure to UV radiation and mostly affects the same areas as BCC.

“Most SCCs can be easily and successfully treated, but if allowed to grow, they can become disfiguring and even fatal,” Dr. Obayan warned.

Those who notice any skin changes should consult their physician.

Those who notice any skin changes should consult their physician. (iStock)

According to the doctor, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and can be fatal if it spreads deeper into the skin or to other parts of the body.

Anyone can get skin cancer, but certain factors increase the risk.

“These include a history of indoor tanning or sunburn, your skin type (the lighter your complexion, the more at risk you are), and genetics,” the doctor said. both

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The Skin Cancer Foundation has posted pictures of each of the warning signs of basal cell carcinoma on their website.

Those who notice any skin changes should consult their physician.