Joe Biden undergoes Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer lesions; Subtle signs for early detection of the disease

Just months after revealing his stage-4 prostate cancer diagnosis, former US President Joe Biden underwent Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer lesions from his forehead. His team confirmed the surgery following public images showing a noticeable scar in Delaware.

Biden’s Mohs surgery and cancer timeline

Biden, 82, recently underwent Mohs surgery to remove cancerous skin lesions from his forehead. The procedure stems from concern following footage that captured a fresh scar on his head during a church visit in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. His spokesperson confirmed the surgery, emphasizing its precision: layers of skin are removed and examined until no cancer cells remain.This health update comes just months after Biden announced his prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025, a high-grade, metastatic form, but described as hormone-sensitive and treatable.

Notably, Biden previously had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his chest in 2023, a reminder that skin cancer has been part of his medical history for some time.

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is the gold-standard treatment for certain skin cancers. Developed in 1938, it involves removing thin layers of tissue and examining each under a microscope until no cancer remains. The result? Surgery that’s both thorough and precise, sparing as much healthy skin as possible, making it ideal for facial areas like the forehead.

Success rates of this surgery are impressive, lying between 97% and 99.8% for primary basal cell carcinomas, and up to 98% for melanoma in situ. Even for recurrent cancers, cure rates remain high.

Skin cancer red flags: Signs you shouldn’t ignore

Skin cancer creeps in quietly, making it harder to notice at the early stage. However, spotting subtle signs early is crucial, as it can improve treatment success greatly. Here’s what to watch out for:Sores that refuse to heal: Persistent wounds, or ones that heal then reopen, could indicate basal or squamous cell cancers.New or unusual skin growths: Any new bump, shiny spot, or firm red lump should prompt a check-up.Changing moles or lesions: Follow the ABCDE rule for melanoma:AsymmetryBorder irregularityColor variationDiameter over 6 mmEvolving over timePersistent scaly patches or dry areas: These may be early precancerous or cancerous lesions.Red, scaly, or crusted patches: These are often signs of squamous cell carcinoma.The "ugly duckling" rule: A mole that looks different than your others deserves attention.Less obvious warnings: Persistent pimples lasting more than four weeks, lesions near nails, or bumps that bleed, itch, or burn may be signs of trouble

Types of skin cancer

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): Often appears as a pearly bump, sometimes with visible tiny blood vessels, or as a patch that doesn’t heal.Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): May show up as a firm, scaly lump or ulcer that doesn’t heal.Melanoma: This one’s the most dangerous form of all. Watch for moles that change in asymmetry, border, color, diameter, or evolution.

Prevention tips to protect your skin

How to protect yourself from falling prey to skin cancer? Below are the tips that may come in handy:Regular vigilance matters: Check your body head to toe; don't forget often-missed areas like between toes, scalp, and genitals.Annual dermatology visits: Especially important if you’ve had skin cancer before or have many moles.Use the ABCDE rule and "ugly duckling" approach to assess moles or spots regularly.Protect yourself from UV rays: Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every day, wear hats and protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours.