NPR: Sen. Specter Rediagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease

Sen. Specter Rediagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease

Sen. Arlen Specter has been diagnosed with a recurrence of Hodgkin's disease, a cancer of the lymph system for which he was treated three years ago.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Specter said the recurrence "was detected during a routine scan of his chest and abdomen. A biopsy confirmed that the cancer had returned in a chest lymph node." Just last month he had talked about beating the disease while doing a tour for his new book, Never Give In: Battling Cancer in the Senate." This time, his stage is considered IIIA, which is "significantly less advanced," according to the statement from Specter's office.

"I consider this just another bump on the road to a successful recovery from Hodgkin's, from which I've been symptom-free for three years," Specter said in the statement. "I've beaten some tough medical problems and tough political opponents and I expect to beat this, too."

Specter has had a history of health problems. In 1993 he underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor, which recurred in 1996 and was successfully treated. He also had coronary bypass surgery in 1998.

10:50 AM ET | 04-16-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Sen. Specter is one of the few honorable Senators in congress. Hopefully he will once again win his fight with cancer

Sent by Glenn | 11:05 AM ET | 04-16-2008

I wish Senator Specter all the best. I am a breast cancer survivor who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for the third time (one reoccurrence and now preventive in terms of keeping the cancer from spreading). Anyway, I've seen the Senator on TV many times and I admire him. He and his family have my prayers and best wishes

Sent by R. Coiro | 12:08 PM ET | 04-16-2008

Just wondering why this piece doesn't have a highlight link to 'Hodgkin's Disease' like there is for 'a routine scan'?

Thanks for the article...

Sent by doug burger | 12:37 PM ET | 04-16-2008

As a Democrat who has never voted for a Republican candidate I like and deeply respect Senator Specter and hope that this recent event is a minor one. The Senate needs his continued service.

Sent by David | 12:54 PM ET | 04-16-2008

I second David's sentiments. Specter is one of the few Republicans this liberal holds any respect for. I wish him and his family all the best.

Sent by Kasreyn | 3:20 PM ET | 04-16-2008

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