Brazil's ex-president Lula diagnosed with throat cancer

[News_Editor]

Brazil's ex-president Lula diagnosed with throat cancer

2011-10-30 06:24:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

SAO PAULO (BNO NEWS) -- Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been diagnosed with throat cancer, a medical report released on Saturday by the Sirio-Libanes Hospital in Sao Paulo revealed.

The 66-year-old underwent tests at the hospital after a tumor, between 2 and 3 centimeters (0.7 and 1.1 inch), was found in his larynx. He also underwent a biopsy on Saturday in which a small portion of the affected tissue was removed.

The biopsy will allow doctors to examine the affected tissue and determine the extent of the disease.

While few details about Lula's disease were immediately released, his medical team is optimistic about the possible outcome of the treatment. Lula is expected to begin chemotherapy in the coming days.

Lula served as president of Brazil from January 2003 until December 2010 when he left office with record approval ratings. He was featured in Time's '100 Most Influential People in the World' and has been called the "most successful politician of his time."

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