President Biden Undergoes Surgery for Skin Cancer on His Forehead

Recently, former President Joe Biden underwent surgery to remove skin cancer from his forehead, just above his right eye. It’s unclear when, exactly, the procedure happened or where it was performed, but it came just three months after the 82-year-old shared an aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis. 

This isn’t the first time Biden has undergone a procedure to remove skin cancer. In 2023, doctors shared that he had basal cell carcinoma removed from his chest. The minor surgery was followed up with “dermatological surveillance.” 

Most Common Form of Skin Cancer 

According to Dr. Vernon Sondak, chair of the Cutaneous Oncology Department, basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer in the United States and is related to UV exposure from the sun, as is squamous cell carcinoma. Reports say Biden underwent Mohs microscopic surgery. The procedure is a specific type of surgery that is commonly used to treat both types of skin cancer.  

The surgery is typically done under local anesthesia and removes layers of tissue at a time, which the Mohs surgeon analyzes during the procedure. Once all layers are deemed free of cancer, the Mohs procedure is complete. Reconstruction on the area impacted by surgery is sometimes an option, as well.   

Sondak said Mohs surgery is an appropriate approach to skin cancers whenever tissue conservation is a top consideration, as it might be for something on the forehead as in the former president’s case. Mohs surgery is not the only option for these kinds of skin cancer.  

When Mohs surgery is recommended by Moffitt providers, it is offered in conjunction with the University of South Florida Department of Dermatology. 

Fortunately, if detected early, skin cancer is highly curable.

Vernon Sondak, MD

“President Biden is one of over 6 million Americans diagnosed with skin cancer every year,” Sondak said. “Fortunately, if detected early, skin cancer is highly curable.” 

Pay Attention to Your Skin 

It’s important to pay attention to changes in your skin and if you see something concerning, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Most skin cancers are treatable if they’re caught early, Sondak said. 

“But even these cancers, if neglected, can cause serious problems,” Sondak said. “And people who get one skin cancer are at risk for developing others, including more serious forms such as melanoma because the common denominator for most skin cancers is ultraviolet exposure from the sun or tanning beds.” 

Cancers like basal cell carcinoma often present as discoloration and scaling and can cause ulceration or sores and in some cases, can get very large and unsightly. They can also metastasize or spread to internal organs if not treated in the early stages. 

Similarly, squamous cell carcinoma is most often related to UV exposure, according to Kenneth Tsai, MD, PhD, vice chair of Pathology Research at Moffitt. 

“Accordingly, the sites most often affected are the head and neck area,” Tsai said, but the hands and lower legs are also common sites.