Brazil’s Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro Diagnosed with Skin Cancer While Under House Arrest

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been diagnosed with an early stage of skin cancer, doctors confirmed Wednesday, following his second hospitalization in less than a week.

Medical tests revealed the presence of squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, after lesions were removed from his chest and arms during a recent procedure. His oncologist, Claudio Birolini, described the condition as “intermediate” but emphasized that it remains localized and treatable.

Bolsonaro, 70, was admitted to a hospital in Brasilia on Tuesday with vomiting and low blood pressure. He was discharged the next day and returned home, where he continues to serve a house arrest sentence stemming from his conviction for leading a coup attempt between 2022 and 2023. He was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison.

Doctors said regular monitoring will be necessary, but removal of the lesions is expected to be curative. Bolsonaro, who currently has bandages and stitches, is expected to have them removed within two weeks.

Under the terms of his confinement, the former president may leave his home for medical emergencies, provided his defense team submits medical reports to Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who authorized his house arrest.

Supporters and allies have pointed to Bolsonaro’s health as a reason for him to remain under home confinement rather than being transferred to prison. His eldest son, Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, expressed optimism, saying: “My father has already fought tougher battles and won. This one won’t be any different.”