Joe Amabile Reveals 'Early Stage Glioma' and Upcoming Craniotomy
Bachelor in Paradise star Joe Amabile, 40, has disclosed that he is scheduled for brain surgery after a whole-body MRI screening uncovered a "blueberry-sized" lesion in his brain. In an emotional Instagram video posted on Monday, July 13, Amabile told his followers that doctors identified the mass as a glioma, a type of tumor, and that he will undergo a craniotomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering in two weeks to have it removed and biopsied.
"I definitely wasn't expecting this," Amabile said in the video, adding that while he feels fine physically, the discovery has been a shock. He remains hopeful that the tumor is in its early stages and that surgeons will be able to remove it entirely. The reality star, who rose to fame on season 14 of The Bachelorette and later competed on Dancing with the Stars, said the lesion was found following a routine Prenuvo scan, which led to a more detailed brain MRI.
A Growing Trend in Preventive Imaging
Amabile's case highlights the rising popularity of whole-body MRI screenings like Prenuvo, which are marketed as proactive health checks that can detect abnormalities before symptoms appear. These scans are increasingly used by celebrities and wellness-focused individuals, but they also raise questions about the management of incidental findings. In Amabile's instance, the scan revealed what he described as a glioma — a broad category of brain tumors that originate in glial cells. While gliomas can range from low-grade (slow-growing) to high-grade (aggressive), the star's doctors have indicated that the lesion appears to be in its early stages.
The Road to Surgery: Support from Bachelor Nation
A Candid Health Update
In his post, Amabile detailed the emotional toll of the past month. "This past month has been a lot of ups and downs to say the least," he wrote in the caption. "After multiple scans and MRIs I have what looks to be an early stage brain tumor. In two weeks I’ll be undergoing a craniotomy to have it removed — yeah brain surgery — @memorialsloankettering." He added that he is "doing my best to stay positive" and feels fortunate to have strong support from his wife, Serena Pitt, whom he met on season seven of Bachelor in Paradise and married in 2022, as well as from family and friends.
Pitt responded in the comments with a message of solidarity: "You’re so strong and we’re going to get through this together. I love you." Other Bachelor Nation members and former DWTS competitors also flooded the post with encouragement. His former dance partner Jenna Johnson wrote, "Omg Joe! Sending you all the love and support," while Joey Graziadei promised a round of golf once Amabile recovers.
What Is a Craniotomy?
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the skull is temporarily removed to access the brain. It allows neurosurgeons to excise tumors, take tissue samples, or relieve pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, brain lesions are abnormalities seen on imaging that do not resemble normal brain tissue; their severity can range from benign to life-threatening. For Amabile, the hope is that the lesion is low-grade and fully resectable.
Broader Implications: Celebrity Health in the Public Eye
Early Detection and Transparency
Amabile's decision to share his diagnosis publicly is part of a broader trend among celebrities who use their platforms to demystify medical conditions. High-profile figures such as Tyler Henry and Maria Menounos have previously spoken about their brain tumor diagnoses, emphasizing the importance of early detection and regular health screenings. Amabile echoed that sentiment, saying, "I've gone back and forth about what I wanted to share on social media but ultimately this is now part of my life now, so might as well. Onto a new journey."
The openness can help reduce stigma around brain tumors and encourage fans to advocate for their own health. However, it also underscores the psychological weight of incidental findings. While whole-body scans can be lifesaving, they can also uncover findings that may not have caused problems for years, leading to anxiety and sometimes unnecessary procedures.
The Stakes for Glioma Patients
Gliomas account for roughly 30% of all brain tumors and 80% of malignant ones, according to the American Brain Tumor Association. Treatment and prognosis depend heavily on the tumor's grade, location, and genetics. Early-stage low-grade gliomas, if completely resected, often carry a favorable long-term outlook. Amabile's statement that doctors believe the tumor is in its "early stages" offers a measure of optimism, but definitive answers will only come after pathology results are available.
In a season marked by environmental crises and political turmoil — from Canadian wildfire smoke blanketing the Great Lakes to heat index emergencies — Amabile's personal health battle provides a human-scale narrative of resilience. For now, the reality star is focused on recovery, leaning on his wife and the Bachelor Nation community. "I hope they are able to get it all and I'm fine, but I will keep you updated," he said. His surgery is expected to take place in late July.
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