John McCain's Melanoma

You've probably heard that U.S. presidential candidate Senator John McCain is a melanoma survivor. There has been considerable controversy in recent weeks about how this history would affect his presidency. Here are some facts from his Web site and a New York Times report to help you make up your own mind:

• McCain has had four melanomas: three of these were of the less serious in situ type and were excised successfully.
• The other lesion was found in August 2000 and was diagnosed as stage IIA melanoma: it was 2.2 millimeters thick and 2 centimeters across, and located on the left lower temple region of his face.
• A comprehensive surgical procedure was done that included sentinel lymph node biopsy, removal of the cutaneous melanoma and key lymph nodes, and reconstruction of his left temple region.
• None of Senator McCain's lymph nodes showed any evidence of metastatic disease, and he has never undergone any chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

McCain's melanoma has been in remission for 8 years now. Whatever you think of his policy positions, his melanoma is unlikely to recur at this point and should not be a part of the political debates.