Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Diagnosed With Early-Stage Skin Cancer

Last Updated:September 18, 2025, 01:53 IST

Doctors revealed that Bolsonaro had eight skin lesions removed during a hospital visit on Sunday.

Bolsonaro’s health issues emerge as he remains under house arrest in Brasília (AFP)

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been diagnosed with early-stage skin cancer, according to a statement released by his medical team on Wednesday, as reported by Reuters. The diagnosis came just hours after the 70-year-old politician was discharged from hospital following a brief health scare.

Bolsonaro had been admitted to the DF Star hospital in Brasília on Tuesday after experiencing symptoms including vomiting and low blood pressure. His son, Flávio Bolsonaro, shared the news of the hospitalisation in a post on social media platform X. It was the second time the former President had sought medical attention since a Supreme Court ruling last Thursday found him guilty of attempting to stage a coup following his 2022 election loss to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Doctors revealed that Bolsonaro had eight skin lesions removed during a hospital visit on Sunday. Tests conducted on the removed tissue identified early-stage skin cancer in two of the samples. According to the hospital statement, the former president will now require clinical monitoring and ongoing re-evaluation to manage the condition.

“My father has already fought tougher battles and won. This one won’t be any different,” Flávio Bolsonaro said in his post, expressing optimism about the diagnosis.

Bolsonaro’s health issues emerge as he remains under house arrest in Brasília, awaiting the finalisation of a 27-year and three-month prison sentence handed down by a panel of Supreme Court justices. The sentence stems from his alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt aimed at overturning the 2022 election results.

Though the ruling has been announced, the court has up to 60 days to publish the official judgment. Once released, Bolsonaro’s legal team will have five days to file any motions for clarification. Bolsonaro has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the charges are politically motivated and that he is the victim of judicial persecution.

Since early August, he has been under house arrest, a condition imposed by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who cited violations of precautionary measures linked to the case. Bolsonaro had already been fitted with an ankle monitor amid concerns that he might attempt to flee the country.

Read More

Go to Source