What to Know About Dolph Lundgren’s Health After He Was Misdiagnosed with Kidney Cancer

**Dolph Lundgren’s Eight-Year Battle with Misdiagnosed Cancer: A Journey of Resilience**

Swedish actor Dolph Lundgren has come to terms with a tumultuous health journey that spanned nearly a decade, during which he was misdiagnosed with kidney cancer. Speaking openly about his experience, Lundgren mentioned that he initially received this dire diagnosis in 2015, prompting him to seek treatment that turned out to be based on incorrect information.

Lundgren’s ordeal began when doctors discovered a cancerous tumour on his kidney, which they successfully removed. Following this, he was subjected to regular scans every six months to monitor his health. However, in 2020, he began to experience troubling new symptoms, leading to the discovery of multiple additional tumours, including one “the size of a small lemon” in his liver.

His situation deteriorated as he underwent another round of surgery to remove six more tumours. Just as he thought he might be recovering, devastating news arrived: his liver tumour had grown too large for surgical intervention. The systemic therapy recommended by his doctors brought on distressing side effects, leaving Lundgren feeling physically weakened and emotionally drained.

In a May 2023 interview on *In Depth With Graham Bensinger*, Lundgren revealed that his mental health took a significant hit during this difficult time. He described feeling hopeless and lost, leading him to contemplate medical aid in dying (MAID). According to Lundgren, it was his brother Johan who offered support during this dark period, urging him to consider his options carefully.

However, Lundgren’s mindset began to shift after he sought a second opinion. This pivotal decision led him to meet Dr. Alexandra Drakaki at UCLA Health, who revealed that he had been misdiagnosed. Instead of kidney cancer, Lundgren was informed that he had lung cancer, marked by a mutation common in that type.

This revelation transformed his treatment plan. Lundgren shared that had he continued on the initial course of treatment, he would have only had a few months left to live. Thanks to the new treatment regimen devised by Dr. Drakaki, he reported significant progress, with tumours shrinking dramatically within a short period.

By 2024, Lundgren triumphantly announced that he was cancer-free following a minimally invasive lung ablation procedure. He expressed immense relief in a heartfelt video shared via Instagram, stating, “Since there are no cancer cells in my body anymore, I guess I’ll be cancer-free.” Through this entire ordeal, Lundgren emphasised the importance of living in the moment and cherishing life.

Reflecting on his lengthy battle, Lundgren spoke to *PEOPLE* in September 2025 about feeling “very well.” He had undergone a grueling three-year fight against cancer but now felt liberated and back to his usual routine. He conveyed gratitude for his health and emphasised a newfound appreciation for life and the loved ones around him.

Lundgren noted that although he has resumed his pre-diagnosis activities, he has adopted a kinder approach towards his physical health, significantly valuing his time with his family. He recounted how this experience served as an eye-opener, allowing him to reassess priorities in his life.

A testament to his resilience and determination, Dolph Lundgren’s journey reflects not only the challenges faced during serious illness but also the importance of seeking second opinions in medical care. His story is a reminder of the unpredictable paths life can take and the courage it ultimately requires to navigate them.