The surgery news comes amid the former president’s sightings with stitches on his head, which prompted questions and comments of concern from the public.
A cryptic scar, a bandaged head, and a quiet funeral appearance have ignited a firestorm of speculation and concern surrounding former U.S. President Joe Biden, 82, as officials finally confirmed he recently underwent cancer surgery.
But that’s not all. This revelation follows the words Biden shared about his cancer diagnosis, after his office confirmed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year (2025).

Netizen comment about Joe Biden, posted on September 1, 2025. | Source: Instagram/fredkarger
Joe Biden’s Head Wound Fuels Public Frenzy After Quiet Church Outing
A spokeswoman for the former president confirmed to CBS News that Biden underwent Mohs surgery, a precise and layered skin cancer treatment renowned for its minimal tissue damage and high success rate. But no further details were shared.
While this latest surgery is distinct from Biden’s 2023 removal of a basal cell carcinoma lesion on his chest, it follows a clear pattern of Biden proactively managing his health, particularly when it comes to skin-related medical concerns.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden at the opening night of “Othello” on Broadway in New York City on March 23, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
At that time, the White House had assured the public that all cancerous tissue from the 2023 surgery had been successfully removed — but now, the focus has shifted to Biden’s head, where fresh stitches have made headlines.
Photos and video footage released by Inside Edition and the New York Post captured what appeared to be a wound on the right side of Biden’s scalp, raising alarm among the American public.
During that quiet Labor Day church service, Biden — clad in a navy blazer and blue pants — was seen shaking hands, smiling, and conversing with people gathered outside the venue. As he descended the church steps, the stitches on his head were plainly visible, triggering a viral online reaction.

Joe Biden spotted exiting a church during Labor Day weekend, posted on August 31, 2025. | Source: Instagramfredkargar
The reaction online was immediate and intense. Social media erupted with questions, theories, and visible concern. One person asked, “Are those stitches?” while another echoed the sentiment, “massive stitches on his head what happened [sic]?”
A third chimed in with, “why [sic] is there a scar on his head? Like stitches,” and another simply exclaimed, “What’s the gash on his head!!?”

Joe Biden about to walk down steps; his scar prominently visible. | Source: Instagramfredkargar
Amid the concern, others offered supportive messages and well-wishes. Some even noted how good and healthy Biden looked, despite the wound.
Not long before the Labor Day weekend sighting, Biden was seen attending the funeral of former Delaware Governor and U.S. Representative Mike Castle in August. The solemn service took place at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church in Greenville. Biden, dressed in a dark suit and accompanied by his sister, appeared with a prominent bandage placed on the upper right side of his head.
The sight of the bandage at the funeral offered a clear indication of the nature and extent of Biden’s recent surgery — one that is known for its precision and effectiveness. According to the Mayo Clinic, the procedure, Mohs micrographic surgery, is a specialized technique used to treat various forms of skin cancer.

Another view of the scar on Joe Biden’s head. | Source: Instagramfredkargar
A Closer Look at the Mohs Procedure and Joe Biden’s Healing Path
Unlike traditional surgical methods, Mohs surgery involves removing thin layers of skin one at a time, with each layer immediately examined under a microscope to detect any remaining cancer cells.
This process is repeated until no signs of cancer are found. The technique not only ensures a high success rate in eliminating cancer, but also minimizes the removal of healthy surrounding tissue — a key advantage when treating delicate or cosmetically sensitive areas like the head, face, or neck.

Joe Biden’s scar in prominent view as he walks down steps. | Source: Instagramfredkargar
Often used to treat basal cell carcinoma, Mohs surgery is particularly beneficial in cases where the cancer has a higher risk of recurrence, or when tumors are large, aggressive, or have indistinct borders.
The procedure is typically performed with a local anesthetic, and most patients are able to return home the same day without the need for hospitalization.

Joe Biden spotted during Labor Day weekend. | Source: Instagramfredkargar
Once the cancer is fully removed, the wound may be closed with stitches, left to heal naturally, or reconstructed using nearby skin — depending on the location and size of the affected area. “If the wound is large or complex, the surgeon may temporarily close the wound. Another operation might be needed to repair the wound, though this is rare,” adds the clinic.
Patients are usually required to keep the wound bandaged for several days or longer, following aftercare instructions to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Joe Biden smiling at people gathered outside the church. | Source: Instagramfredkargar
While mild discomfort and soreness are common and can be treated with general pain medication, significant pain is rare and generally signals the need for follow-up care.
Biden’s recent experience is not the only health-related update to make headlines this year. In fact, this latest procedure follows a separate and earlier revelation — one that the former president addressed personally in a candid message shared online.
Joe Biden Breaks His Silence in Emotional Post About ‘Aggressive’ Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
On May 19, 2025, Joe Biden shared a photo of himself and his wife on social media, along with a brief message, breaking his silence about his cancer diagnosis. Many netizens who saw this post reacted swiftly, sending prayers and well-wishes to him.

Fan comment about Joe Biden, posted on May 19, 2025. | Source: Instagram/joebiden
In the image, the couple sits closely in a warm, softly lit room. The Former First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) cradles the family cat, whose calm presence seemed to symbolize the gravity of the moment.
Their expressions are warm but heavy, their body language close and connected. The touching message, accompanied by the visual, struck a nerve with millions.
Biden spoke about the shared pain of cancer, calling it a disease that touches nearly every home in America. His reflection was both vulnerable and defiant, acknowledging the fragility of life while embracing strength in community.
He also spoke about the strength found in life’s most fragile moments and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support that he and his wife have received during this difficult time.
Upon seeing this post, netizens wasted no time in flocking to the comment sections with reactions. “Prayers for you always but especially now. Stay strong sir [sic],” penned a Facebooker, while another expressed, “What a wonderful, unselfish message! You are both so special! May you be blessed with many more years together!”
Echoing similar sentiments, a fellow supporter wrote, “Prayers for healing and strength, President Biden. All the love, support and compassion you have conveyed throughout your life, is blessed upon you and your family. God bless. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💕 [sic].”
“She looks very worried [sic] bless her heart,” added someone else. A fellow well-wisher opined, “The lord is faithful. That smile means alot [sic].” “Get well soon🙏🏿🙏🏿,” asserted yet another supporter.
A particularly emotional commenter opened up about their own personal experience with a family member who had prostate cancer. This netizen highlighted the pain and suffering both the patient and their loved ones went through. Meanwhile, others continued to shower the former president with love, prayers, support, and encouraging words.
Before Biden’s heartfelt post, his personal office had confirmed to the public that he’d been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer.
His diagnosis followed a medical evaluation prompted by worsening urinary symptoms, during which doctors identified a new nodule on his prostate.
Biden’s condition is characterized by a high Gleason score of 9, a marker indicating one of the most severe and fast-moving forms of the disease. Doctors also revealed that the cancer has metastasized, or spread, to his bones.
Still, there is hope: the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which doctors say offers more effective treatment options. It’s a grim prognosis, but not without avenues for managing the disease.

Joe Biden disembarking from Air Force One at John F. Kennedy airport in New York City on September 17, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
A Nation Watches and Waits: What’s Next for Joe Biden?
As a visible wound on his head stirs concern and his prostate cancer diagnosis sends shockwaves across the nation, one thing is certain: President Joe Biden is fighting back — publicly, bravely, and with the nation watching.
He has chosen to face his illness not just with medical support but with emotional transparency, inviting the American people to walk beside him.