What did Pepe Mujica, “the world’s poorest president,” die of?

Former Uruguayan President José “Pepe” Mujica died at 89 after battling esophageal cancer , a disease diagnosed in its advanced stages. Known as the “ poorest president in the world ” for his austere lifestyle and commitment to the working class, Mujica left a profound mark on Latin American politics .

The former Uruguayan president was hospitalized several times in recent months due to health-related complications. Despite his battle with cancer , he remained active in public life until recently, always championing social causes and remaining true to his straightforward, combative style.

Esophageal cancer , the disease that caused his death, is a condition in which malignant cells develop in the tissues of the esophagus , the tube that connects the throat to the stomach.

This type of cancer is usually diagnosed in advanced stages because it may not present obvious symptoms in its early stages. Among the most common signs as the disease progresses are difficulty swallowing, weight loss, pain when swallowing, persistent cough, and heartburn.

There are two main forms of this disease: squamous cell carcinoma , which occurs in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus, and adenocarcinoma , more common in the lower part, related to gastroesophageal reflux and Barrett's esophagus.

Factors such as prolonged tobacco or alcohol use, obesity, or a diet deficient in fruits and vegetables increase the risk of developing it.

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies . However, the prognosis is often guarded when diagnosed in advanced stages, as was the case with Mujica.