Joe Biden Undergoes Mohs Surgery to Remove Skin Cancer Lesions from Forehead

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, has undergone Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead. The update followed public concern after Biden was seen with a fresh scar on his head earlier this week. His team later confirmed the procedure, clarifying that it was a standard outpatient surgery and part of ongoing treatment for recurring skin cancers.

This development comes only months after Biden revealed his diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones but remains hormone-sensitive and treatable. Together, the two conditions paint a picture of a challenging medical journey for the former president in his retirement years.

What Is Mohs Surgery and Why Was It Necessary for Joe Biden?

Mohs micrographic surgery is considered one of the most effective treatments for certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The procedure involves removing skin tissue layer by layer and examining it under a microscope until no cancer cells are detected.

This meticulous approach allows doctors to eliminate cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible—especially important for facial areas like the forehead.

For Joe Biden, Mohs surgery was a logical next step. Having already undergone the removal of a basal cell carcinoma in 2023, his doctors were likely monitoring him closely for new lesions. The forehead surgery indicates that his skin cancer is recurring, but also being managed proactively.

A History of Cancer Battles for Joe Biden

This isn’t Biden’s first encounter with cancer. Throughout his public career, he has been candid about his health. During his presidency, he underwent treatment for basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer linked to sun exposure.

Earlier in 2025, Biden revealed he had been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, later confirmed as Stage 4. While the diagnosis was serious, his doctors emphasized it was hormone-sensitive, meaning it could respond well to targeted therapy and medications that slow its progression.

Taken together, these health updates underline the resilience Biden has shown in continuing to face multiple serious conditions at once.

Public Reaction and Concern

When images surfaced of Biden with a large bandage and a visible wound on his forehead, many supporters expressed concern across social media. Some speculated about his overall health, while others worried the surgery signaled worsening conditions. His spokesperson quickly reassured the public that the operation was successful and routine, noting that Biden was in recovery and maintaining a positive outlook.

The response reflects a broader public fascination with the health of political figures, even after they leave office. For Biden, who served as one of the oldest presidents in U.S. history, these concerns have always been closely watched.

Why It Matters Beyond Biden

Biden’s health story highlights an issue faced by millions of Americans—skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with nearly 5.4 million cases diagnosed annually. Procedures like Mohs surgery are increasingly common, especially among older adults who have had prolonged sun exposure over their lifetimes.

Additionally, his openness about prostate cancer brings attention to a disease that affects one in eight men during their lifetimes. By sharing his own experiences, Biden has inadvertently sparked public discussions on cancer screenings, early detection, and the importance of ongoing health transparency.

Looking Ahead

At 82, Biden’s focus has shifted from political office to personal health and family. While both skin cancer and prostate cancer remain part of his medical reality, experts say his proactive approach, regular monitoring, and access to advanced care put him in a better position to manage these conditions.

For now, the former president is expected to continue recovery from his recent Mohs surgery while maintaining treatment for prostate cancer. His journey serves as both a reminder of the vulnerability of aging leaders and an example of confronting illness with determination.

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