Biden shows scar from skin cancer surgery while undergoing prostate treatment

 September 8, 2025

Former President Joe Biden was photographed with a visible scar on his head after undergoing a surgical procedure to treat skin cancer.

According to New York Post, Biden, 82, recently had Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer and is also receiving treatment for prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.

The former president attended Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Delaware on Saturday, where the scar was noticeable without any bandage covering it. The images offered the first public glimpse of his recovery since the procedure.

Surgery To Address Skin Cancer Growth

The operation Biden underwent is known as Mohs surgery, a procedure that removes thin layers of skin one at a time until all cancerous cells are eliminated. According to the Mayo Clinic, this method is often used for skin cancers in sensitive areas, including the head.

This was not Biden’s first encounter with skin cancer. During his presidency, he had a cancerous skin lesion removed from his chest after a physical examination in February 2023. That lesion was later identified as basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.

The recurrence of skin cancer required another intervention, underscoring his history of recurring dermatological issues that have needed close monitoring by his medical team.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Adds To Concerns

Beyond his skin cancer treatment, Biden disclosed in May that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Medical records show that the disease has metastasized to his bones, requiring additional treatment and long-term monitoring.

His care team has described the prostate cancer as hormone-sensitive. In practical terms, this means therapies aimed at reducing hormone levels are expected to slow the disease’s progression, making it more manageable.

Biden’s team added that the condition appears to respond well to treatment, which allows for effective long-term management despite the advanced stage.

Public Record Raises Testing Questions

Questions have also surfaced regarding Biden’s earlier medical testing. Public records indicate that he was not tested for prostate cancer during his presidency, reportedly because of his advanced age at the time.

His longtime physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, released a statement in February 2024 following an extensive physical, affirming Biden’s ability to serve. At that point, no evidence of a prostate condition was noted in the official summary.

Just months later, however, Biden revealed his cancer diagnosis, raising concerns about whether more frequent testing might have caught the condition earlier.

Medical Fitness and Political Scrutiny

In June 2024, Biden’s health again drew public attention after a debate performance against Donald Trump led to intensified scrutiny of his cognitive abilities. Critics questioned whether his medical condition might be affecting his performance.

The GOP-led House Oversight Committee subsequently launched an investigation into what they describe as a possible effort to conceal Biden’s mental health status. Lawmakers have focused in part on his reliance on the autopen, which allows documents to be signed automatically in his name.

The committee has called nearly a dozen former officials from the Biden administration to testify, seeking more details on how his health may have been managed while he was in office.

A Complex Medical and Political Picture

The combination of his ongoing cancer treatments and the political debate surrounding his abilities has created a complex picture for the 82-year-old former president. Supporters emphasize that both his physicians and his own statements affirm his resilience and fitness.

Dr. O’Connor’s assurance that Biden was fit for duty earlier this year remains part of the official record. Nonetheless, the subsequent revelations about his prostate cancer have prompted renewed public focus on the state of his health.

Biden continues to be seen in public, including his recent church appearance, signaling that despite his medical challenges, he remains active and engaged in daily life.