Bush has two moles removed from his face

WASHINGTON, Feb 17 (Reuters) A doctor yesterday removed two moles from President George W. Bush's left temple and they were believed to be benign, a White House spokesman said.

The five-minute procedure took place in the White House doctor's office and was performed by Steve Krivda, a dermatologist at Walter Reed Medical Centre.

Tests will be performed to determine if the moles were cancerous. Results should be back by the middle of next week.

''The doctors expect that both moles are benign,'' said White House spokesman Scott Stanzel.

The procedure will leave Bush with a one-inch scab for a week to 10 days, he said.

Bush has suffered the effects of sun exposure in the past.

He has had non-cancerous growths removed before, the last time occurring in December 2004.

The doctor shaved off the moles in what Stanzel called a ''shaved biopsy.'' Bush was given a local anesthetic.

Bush had pointed out a mole to his personal physician, Richard Tubb, on Monday. Tubb found the second one and recommended they be removed.

Reuters PKS VP0435