McCain Surgery Puzzles Melanoma Experts, But Some Clues Found In Reporters’ Notes

From The Cancer Letter, Oct. 24, 2008:

A massive scar that begins on John McCain’s left temple, bisects his cheek and runs down his neck is a graphic reminder of a melanoma surgery he had eight years ago.

Experts in treating the deadly cancer say this scar is difficult to explain. In August 2000, when the Arizona Senator received his surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, he possibly could have been spared the disfigurement had he gone to a major academic center with a strong melanoma program.

Could the scar be interpreted as indication that the 72-year-old Republican Presidential candidate had more advanced disease than the campaign acknowledged? Could it be that he received “VIP care” that bypasses normal procedures, but sometimes ends up producing worse outcomes for John McCain than for Joe the Plumber?

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tags: Congress|  news makers