Doctors: Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo has non-Hodgkin lymphoma; prognosis is good

Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo has cancer

ASUNCION, Paraguay — Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo has been diagnosed with cancer but his prognosis is good, doctors said Saturday.

Physicians found non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a growth they removed from Lugo’s groin last week, hematologist Alfredo Boccia said. The cancer affects the lymphocytes, or white blood cells.

Lugo will likely have to undergo chemotherapy treatments every three weeks, Boccia said, adding that the cancer “is absolutely treatable and curable.”

Doctors found a second tumor but due to its location near Lugo’s lungs and other vital organs, at the moment they consider it too risky to remove, Boccia said.

He said Lugo will be admitted to a hospital in Sao Paulo for more thorough tests on Tuesday. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is sending a plane for Lugo, his personal physician, Nestor Martinez, told a news conference Saturday.

“He will be able to continue performing his duties … even as he is receiving treatment,” Public Health Minister Esperanza Martinez told reporters Friday night.

The 59-year-old ex-Catholic bishop underwent minor surgery to remove the growth on Wednesday. He then canceled his official schedule and took a long weekend to recover.

“The president’s illness, unlike other cancers, has an excellent prognostic with good treatment,” pathologist Jose Bellasai told reporters.

(This version CORRECTS the attribution on Lugo’s admission to hospital Tuesday). )