Chávez had Cancerous Tumor Removed

The BBC has an update on the condition of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez: Chavez tells of surgery to remove cancerous tumour.

Mr Chavez said he underwent a first operation on a pelvic abscess on 10 June, just as officials had informed the Venezuelan public.

But during his recuperation, tests had "confirmed the existence of a tumour with cancerous cells", forcing him to undergo another operation. The extraction of the tumour had been "completely successful", he said.

He added that his condition had been "evolving satisfactorily" while he received a "complementary treatment to combat the different types of cells found, and thereby continue on the path to my full recovery".

"I deeply appreciate the demonstrations of solidarity by Venezuelans and other brotherly people," he said.

Chávez remains in Cuba and the story notes that it is unclear exactly when the address was recorded.  The situation continues to create some level of confusion for the Venezuelan government, as they deal with the indefinite absences of the head of state and government not only from his official duties, but from the country itself.  It is an extremely odd situation.

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Steven L. Taylor
About Steven L. Taylor
Steven L. Taylor is a Professor of Political Science and a College of Arts and Sciences Dean. His main areas of expertise include parties, elections, and the institutional design of democracies. His most recent book is the co-authored A Different Democracy: American Government in a 31-Country Perspective. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas and his BA from the University of California, Irvine. He has been blogging since 2003 (originally at the now defunct Poliblog). Follow Steven on Twitter