Joe Bidens colon polyp pre-cancerous, US President fit for duty: Doctor

United States President Joe Biden
underwent a minor medical procedure last week to remove a slow-growing lesion from
his colon which was benign but pre-cancerous. The president’s doctor said that
the lesion did not require any further action, according to a follow-up memo.

The lesion specimen was a
tubular adenoma, similar to the one removed from Joe Biden in 2008, according
to Dr Kevin C O’Conner, the president’s doctor. The physician also recommended
routine surveillance, including another colonoscopy in seven to 10 years, the
Associated Press reported.

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A colon polyp is a small clump
of cells that forms on the lining of the colon, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Mayo Clinic website says that most colon polyps are harmless, but some may
develop into colon cancer over time.  

“The best prevention for colon
cancer is regular screening for and removal of polyps,” Mayo Clinic, a non-profit
American medical academic centre, advises.

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The 79-year-old Joe Biden in
the US’ oldest president. His doctor said that the president remains “healthy”,
“vigorous” and fit for duty, while noting that Biden is showing some signs of
aging.  

Joe Biden underwent his colonoscopy
last Friday paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to assume
presidential powers. This was the first time that a woman has assumed the
charge of the “leader of the free world” in history.

The 57-year-old Kamala Harris
has created a series of firsts in US history. She is not only the first woman
vice president of America but also the first African American to be elected to
the post. Harris holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking female
official in US history.

Harris assuming presidential
powers when Biden is indisposed is writ large in the US Constitution and has
ample precedent. In 2002, Vice President Dick Cheney assumed charge when
President George W Bush had to undergo the same procedure.

(With inputs from Associated Press)