President Biden's Forehead Scar: A Closer Look at Mohs Surgery and Basal Cell Carcinoma

Recent public appearances by President Joe Biden have drawn attention to a noticeable scar on his forehead, sparking curiosity and discussion. The White House has confirmed that the mark is a result of Mohs surgery, a specialized procedure performed to remove a basal cell carcinoma – the most common type of skin cancer.

The procedure took place in February 2023 at the esteemed Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Following the surgery, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the President's physician, released a statement assuring the public that the surgical site was healthy and required no further treatment. This transparency provides an important opportunity to understand more about skin cancer and advanced dermatological treatments.

Basal cell carcinoma, while concerning, is generally not considered life-threatening.

Unlike more aggressive forms of cancer, basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can grow and cause disfigurement, particularly on visible areas like the face, highlighting the importance of early detection and effective removal.

Mohs surgery stands out as a highly effective and precise method for treating various types of skin cancer, particularly basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Its primary advantage lies in its ability to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. This is especially crucial for areas of the body where preserving tissue is paramount for both function and appearance, such as the face, neck, and hands.

The Mohs procedure is meticulous and performed in stages.

It begins with the surgical removal of a very thin layer of visible cancerous tissue. This excised tissue is then immediately examined under a microscope by the Mohs surgeon, who is also specially trained as a pathologist. If cancer cells are still present at the edges of the tissue, indicating that the cancer extends further, another thin layer is removed from the precise area where cancer cells were detected.

This process is repeated until no cancer cells are seen under the microscope, ensuring complete removal while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

The precision of Mohs surgery leads to remarkably high cure rates, often exceeding 99% for new skin cancers and 95% for recurrent cancers.

This makes it a gold standard for treating skin cancers in sensitive or cosmetically important areas, offering patients peace of mind and excellent outcomes. President Biden's experience serves as a reminder of the prevalence of skin cancer and the effectiveness of modern medical interventions like Mohs surgery in addressing it.