Joe Amabile reveals early-stage brain tumor after MRI scan
Joe Amabile, the Bachelor in Paradise star and husband of Serena Pitt, revealed on July 13, 2026, that doctors found a blueberry-sized brain lesion that appears to be an early-stage glioma. The 40-year-old will undergo a craniotomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering in about two weeks to remove and test the tumor after preventive MRI scans flagged the abnormality.
The diagnosis landed hard for fans who know Joe Amabile from The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, where he met and later married Serena Pitt in 2022. In an Instagram video, he called the past month "a lot of ups and downs" and admitted he never expected a health scare like this.
Key Takeaways
- Joe Amabile, 40, revealed a blueberry-sized brain lesion on July 13, 2026, via Instagram.
- Doctors suspect an early-stage glioma; he plans a craniotomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering in about two weeks.
- The finding followed a Prenuvo full-body MRI and follow-up brain scans, highlighting preventive imaging's role.
- Serena Pitt and Bachelor Nation castmates publicly rallied behind him after the announcement.
- Amabile said he feels fine otherwise and will update followers after surgery and testing.
How Was Joe Amabile's Brain Lesion Discovered?
Amabile said he did not initially share results from a Prenuvo scan because clinicians spotted a lesion in his brain. Follow-up brain MRIs confirmed a blueberry-sized abnormality that doctors believe is a glioma, a type of tumor.
That sequence matters for the Future Tech & AI Wonders beat: advanced full-body screening caught a problem before symptoms forced an emergency visit. Amabile told followers the discovery felt surreal, saying, "Oh, something like this will never happen to me," and then it did.
What Is a Glioma, and Why Does Early Detection Matter?
In his caption, Amabile wrote that after multiple scans and MRIs, he has "what looks to be an early stage brain tumor." He added that doctors say it is in "really early stages," and he hopes surgeons can remove it entirely during the upcoming craniotomy.
E! News notes that a brain lesion is an abnormality on imaging that does not look like normal brain tissue. According to the Mayo Clinic, underlying conditions tied to lesions can range from relatively minor to life-threatening, which is why biopsy results after surgery will shape his next steps.
Who Has Supported Joe Amabile Since His Diagnosis?
Serena Pitt replied under his post, "You're so strong and we're going to get through this together. I love you." Wells Adams commented, "Love you brother. You got this and we've got you!" Jason Tartick and Adam Gottschalk also sent encouragement.
Former Dancing With the Stars partner Jenna Johnson wrote, "Omg Joe! Sending you all the love and support," while Alan Bersten and Emma Slater offered positivity as well. Amabile said he is staying optimistic and grateful for family and friends during what he called a "wild couple weeks."
What Happens Next in Joe Amabile's Treatment?
Amabile is scheduled for brain surgery in about two weeks at Memorial Sloan Kettering. The procedure is a craniotomy to remove the lesion and send tissue for testing. He promised to keep fans updated once doctors know more.
For now, he said he feels fine otherwise. Bachelor Nation first met Amabile on Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette in 2018, and he later got engaged to Pitt on Bachelor in Paradise season 7. His openness has turned a private scare into a public conversation about screening, early diagnosis, and leaning on community when the unexpected hits.