McCain Has Mole Removed By Doctor

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) had a mole-like growth removed from his right temple on Monday during a regular medical check-up, according to reports.

The four-term Republican senator regularly has skin lesions removed to prevent the recurrence of cancer. He underwent surgery for melanoma, the most dangerous form of cancer, in 2000.

But a campaign aide said Monday's procedure was "was just a precautionary measure" and that there was "nothing that looked in any way cancerous,"according to ABC. The mole was removed during a quarterly visit with a dermatologist in Phoenix.

McCain held a press conference later that day and said "the small little nick from [his] cheek will be biopsied to make sure everything is fine," according to CNN. He added, "I urge all Americans to wear sunscreen particularly this summer, stay out of the sun as much as possible. Wear sunscreen, and if you ever have any slight discoloration, please go to your dermatologist or your doctor, and get it checked up on. Melanoma is a preventable occurrence."