Argentinean President Cristina Kirchner did not have cancer, doctors say

[News_Editor]

Argentinean President Cristina Kirchner did not have cancer, doctors say

2012-01-08 04:22:11 GMT+7 (ICT)

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (BNO NEWS) -- Argentinean President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who was diagnosed with cancer last month, did not have the disease and has been sent home following her surgery, doctors said on Saturday.

Argentinean Public Communication Secretary Alfredo Sococcimarro said Kirchner successfully underwent surgery this week to remove her thyroid gland. But an examination of the gland revealed on Saturday that there was no carcinoma as was initially thought, although follicular adenoma was found.

Kirchner was previously excused from her presidential duties from January 4 until January 24 to recover from the surgery, leaving Amado Boudou in charge as Acting President. She left Austral Hospital in Pilar on Saturday and flew by helicopter to her residence in Olivos.

Following her release, Kirchner thanked the Argentinean people and hundreds of people who had camped outside the hospital in support of the president as she underwent her surgery. She also thanked the medical staff at Austral Hospital for their 'warmth and affection'.

Kirchner, the widow of former President Néstor Kirchner, was first elected president in October 2007, becoming Argentina's first elected female president. With 54.1 percent of the vote, she won re-election in October of this year.

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