Sen. Specter again diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) announced Tuesday that a routine examination revealed he is again suffering from Hodgkin’s disease, the name for cancer of the lymph system.

“I was surprised by the PET scan findings because I have been feeling so good,” Specter, 78, said in a statement. “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.”

{mosads}A biopsy of a small lymph node found in the senator’s chest was positive for recurrence, Specter’s office said. It noted, however, that this is the only symptom of the disease he has shown. This leads experts to believe that the disease is less advanced than when it was first diagnosed in 2005.

“I’ve beaten some tough medical problems and tough political opponents, and I expect to beat this too,” Specter stated. “I look forward to getting through this treatment and continuing to serve the people of Pennsylvania.”

His office said that Specter is expected to “continue to perform all the duties of his office as well as his activities associated with his candidacy for reelection.”

“Sen. Specter has an excellent chance of again achieving a complete remission of his Hodgkin’s disease,” said John H. Glick, the senator’s oncologist. “Sen. Specter’s early diagnosis of his recurrent Hodgkin’s disease has a five-year survival rate of 60 percent.  He is in superb physical condition, with a normal physical examination and blood work, no symptoms of disease, plays squash regularly and follows a careful diet.”