Former President Joe Biden Undergoes Skin Cancer Surgery, Recovering Well

Former U.S. President Joe Biden recently underwent Mohs surgery to remove cancerous skin lesions, his spokesperson confirmed on Thursday. The procedure comes just months after he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.

The exact date of the surgery was not disclosed, but images circulating online show the 82-year-old with a visible scar on his forehead, CNN reported.

Mohs surgery is a precise technique commonly used to treat skin cancer, especially in sensitive areas like the face. It involves removing thin layers of skin and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.

This marks the second known instance of Biden receiving treatment for skin cancer. In 2023, while still in office, he had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his chest. At the time, White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor stated that all cancerous tissue had been successfully removed and Biden would undergo continued dermatological monitoring.

Biden was also diagnosed in May with a more serious health challenge: an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. Despite the diagnosis, the former president has remained positive, saying in a recent CNN interview, “The expectation is we’re going to be able to beat this… My bones are strong, it hasn’t penetrated [vital organs]. So, I’m feeling good.”

Biden’s health, both physical and cognitive, was a frequent point of discussion throughout his presidency. In July 2024, he ended his re-election campaign following a widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump, sparking concern among Democratic leaders.

Biden, who was the oldest person ever elected to the presidency in 2020, has largely stepped out of the public eye since leaving office. However, in April, he made headlines with a speech defending Social Security against proposed Republican-led cuts.