McCain Biopsy Reveals No Skin Cancer

July 30, 2008 8:25 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The mole removed from Sen. John McCain's (R-AZ) right temple early this week was benign, according to the Mayo Clinic.

"The biopsy that was performed did not show any evidence of skin cancer. No further treatment is necessary," Mayo Clinic Public Affairs Chairman Michael Yardley said in an emailed statement late Tuesday.

McCain had a mole-like growth removed on Monday during a quarterly medical check-up. The four-term Republican senator regularly has skin lesions removed to prevent the recurrence of cancer. In 2000, he underwent surgery for melanoma, the most dangerous form of cancer.

McCain held a press conference Tuesday and said, "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," according to CNN.