Joe Biden symptoms explained after 'small nodule' is found on his prostate

A spokesperson for the 82-year-old former president confirmed that the nodule was discovered during a 'routine physical exam'

Key symptoms of a health condition are in the spotlight after former President Joe Biden was found to have a small nodule on his prostate in need of further investigation. It has sparked new uncertainty about the 82-year-old's well-being. The news comes just months after he retreated from the political scene.

A representative has confirmed that the nodule was identified during 'a routine physical exam'. Although no diagnosis has been released just yet, such nodules can be anything from harmless, age-related enlargements to indicators of more critical issues, including infection or cancer.

The American Cancer Society suggest that around one in every eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Besides unexplained nodules, other potential symptoms of the cancer may include blood in urine or semen, struggling to urinate or peeing more frequently, among other things.

However, UK NHS guidance has stressed: "These symptoms do not always mean you have prostate cancer. Many men's prostates get larger as they get older because of a non-cancerous condition called benign prostate enlargement."

Having departed the White House in January as the oldest serving president in United States history, Biden has consistently been the subject of debates regarding his health, both physically and mentally.

Despite his doctor's assertion in February 2024 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre that he was 'fit to serve,' concerns about Biden's deterioration towards the end of his tenure went beyond whispers and fuelled public worry.

The imminent release of the book Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, expected on May 20, delves into Biden’s health debilitation. CNN's Jake Tapper and Axios' Alex Thompson, the authors of the upcoming title, suggest that some of Biden's top advisors mulled over the prospect of him needing a wheelchair for mobility, should he have stayed on for a second term.

The discussion reportedly came amid increasing incidents of imbalance and falls, which were widely noted and criticised during the final stretch of Biden’s presidency. One widely circulated moment occurred during a June 2023 commencement address at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado, when Biden tripped onstage and had to be helped to his feet by Secret Service agents.

Observers, including medical professionals on social media, pointed out his shuffling gait and growing tendency to stumble, suggesting worsening spine and neurological issues. White House officials dismissed the concerns at the time, attributing the president’s physical challenges to common effects of ageing.

Biden’s decision not to seek reelection in 2024 came after months of speculation and pressure from within his own party.Though he remained the presumptive nominee for most of the primary season, he eventually ceded the race to then-Vice President Kamala Harris, citing a need for new leadership.

Some Democrats now argue that Biden should have made that decision earlier, giving others, including Harris, a better chance to mount a strong campaign against Donald Trump.

Senator Amy Klobuchar said over the weekend that the Democratic Party would have been 'better served' by a full primary contest in 2024, rather than defaulting to the incumbent. "We needed a real debate about the future of the country," she said. "Instead, we were stuck in a waiting game."

The news of the prostate nodule comes as Biden makes a cautious return to public life. He and former First Lady Jill Biden appeared together on ABC’s The View last week, sparking mixed reactions among Democrats about the role the former president should play heading into the 2026 midterms.

How is prostate cancer tested for?

A PSA test determines the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood, and increased levels could indicate prostate issues, according to the NHS. Prostate Cancer UK states that 'normal' PSA levels are typically less than 3ng/ml, though this can vary due to factors like age and medication.

You may be encouraged to have a PSA test if you are exhibiting symptoms of prostate cancer. Other potential symptoms may include:

• Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
• Rushing to the toilet
• Needing to pee more frequently, often during the night
• Blood in urine or blood in semen
• Weak flow
• Straining or taking a long time while peeing
• Difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)

The NHS has explained: "If you're having treatment for a prostate condition you may be offered regular PSA tests to check how the treatment is working. Men aged 50 or over can ask their GP for a PSA test, even if they do not have symptoms. Anyone aged 50 or over with a prostate can ask for a PSA test.

"There is a risk a PSA test result may not be accurate, and you may be offered tests and treatment you do not need. You can discuss the benefits and risks of a PSA test with your GP."