A small nodule was discovered in former President Joe Biden's prostate during a recent routine physical examination, as confirmed by a spokesperson to ABC News on Tuesday. The finding of this nodule has led to the necessity for further evaluation to determine its nature and potential implications for Biden's health.
The presence of a small nodule in the prostate can signify various health conditions, ranging from benign issues to more serious concerns. Currently, it is too early to ascertain whether this nodule is a benign lump resulting from inflammation or indicative of something more serious. Medical professionals will conduct additional tests to understand the underlying cause of the nodule and ensure appropriate measures are taken.
This news follows Biden's prior health challenges; in February 2023, while still serving as president, he underwent a procedure to remove a cancerous lesion from his chest. Before assuming office, Biden had a history of non-melanoma skin cancers that were treated with Mohs surgery. At that time, White House physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor confirmed that the biopsy of the lesion revealed it to be basal cell carcinoma, but all cancerous tissue was successfully removed, eliminating the need for further treatment.
The revelation about the nodule coincides with new excerpts from the book titled Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, authored by CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios' Alex Thompson. These excerpts suggest that Biden's health has raised concerns among his aides, with discussions reportedly taking place about the possibility of him needing a wheelchair if he were to be reelected.
According to Axios, Biden's aides noted a significant deterioration in his physical condition, particularly evident in his halting walk. The internal discussions regarding the use of a wheelchair were postponed until after the election. This has sparked further dialogue around Biden's health and its implications for his potential second term.
When approached for comments regarding the book's claims, a spokesperson for Biden declined to provide any details. In a recent appearance on ABC's The View, both Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden pushed back against the emerging narrative suggesting cognitive decline as he approached the end of his presidency. Biden emphatically stated, “They are wrong. There's nothing to sustain that.”
Dr. Jill Biden was particularly vocal in defending her husband, asserting that the authors of the books did not witness the dedication and effort Biden put into his daily responsibilities. She stated, “One of the things I think is that the people who wrote those books were not in the White House with us. And they didn't see how hard Joe worked every single day.”
This ongoing dialogue surrounding Biden's health—particularly with the recent discovery of the prostate nodule—continues to capture public attention, highlighting the intersection of health, politics, and media narratives in the current political landscape.
ABC News’ Sony Salzman contributed to this report, providing additional context and details surrounding Biden's health and the implications of the recent findings.
