Question about McCain's physical appearance - seriously

[TheCowsCameHome]

Not meant to be a frivilous question:

What causes the left side of his face to have a swollen/puffy appearance? Does it come from having experienced melanoma, and is it a typical characteristic?

Whenever I see a picture of him it makes me wonder.

Thanks.

[SteinbachMB]

1. Yes

that's where his cancer was. Sometimes he has it taped over.

[PCIntern]

2. Surgical site/lymph node removal

when you perform these in areas of high vascularity, the tissue swells permanently. Women who have had mastectomies with concomitant node removal often have swollen arms due to the inability of the area to drain fluid properly.

I thought you were going to say that he isn't looking particularly well which he is not. But it is unfair to speculate, and since I'm a Democrat, I won't do what the other side does and make shit up.

But I have my theories...I have extensive training and background in Oral Medicine which includes head and neck disorders in addition to my general dental practice.

[Sanity Claws]

3. Please state the theories

As long as you state that they are theories and you give the basis for your theory, I don't understand the problem.

[B Calm]

4. I would be more concerned with his mental health than a swollen lymph node!

[MindMatter]

5. Yes, of course, but the two are often linked

It seems to me that he has looked white as a ghost lately. For a guy from Arizona, that seems a bit odd.

[Igel]

6. My mother is pale, too.

Lives in Arizona. She lived in Baltimore until she was 70, and this is the palest I've ever seen her.

She had a couple of pre-cancerous lesions removed, and was told to assiduously cover up when she's in the sun. She only goes outside with her arms and legs covered, and a hat to protect her face and ears. When she does yardwork, she wears gloves, so even her hands are less tanned than they used to be.