According to the White House, Joseph Biden had a malignant skin lesion removed.

 US President Joe Biden had a cancerous skin lesion removed last month during a routine health screening, the White House has said.

All cancerous tissue was removed and no further treatment is required, Mr Biden's doctor said.

Mr Biden will continue dermatologic surveillance as part of his ongoing healthcare, the doctor added.

The president, 80, had a physical exam in February which the White House said found him healthy and "fit for duty".

The lesion was removed from Mr. Biden's chest on February 16 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside of Washington, DC, according to a note from Mr. Biden's physician, Kevin O'Connor, that was made available to the media on Friday.

He stated that the region had "healed wonderfully" since the biopsy was performed and that no additional treatment is necessary.

The letter explained that basal cell carcinoma, the form of cancer that was discovered, doesn't typically metastasize or spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, basal and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most prevalent types of skin cancer in the US (CDC).

The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 3.6 million People are diagnosed with it each year, making it the most common type of cancer. If caught early enough, it is slow-growing, treatable, and doesn't do much harm.

Basal and squamous carcinoma "both can typically be cured, but they can be disfiguring and expensive to treat," the CDC states. Melanoma, another common skin cancer, can spread to other parts of the body.

First Lady Jill Biden, Mrs. Biden's wife, had three tumors removed in January; two of were later shown to have basal cell carcinoma.

Before becoming president, Mr. Biden had multiple non-melanoma skin tumors removed.

The president's blemishes had been removed, according to Dr. O'Connor, who also noted that "at this time, there are no regions suspect for skin cancer" in a 2021 assessment of his health.

Even in the winter, doctors advise wearing sunscreen lotion and covering yourself in order to prevent skin cancer.

The Bidens have long been ardent supporters of the prevention and treatment of cancer. Beau, their adult son, passed away from brain cancer in 2015.

It is widely believed that Mr. Biden will declare his intention to run for re-election.