Kennedy has malignant brain tumor

Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has a malignant brain tumor, according to a statement from his doctors.

{mosads}Kennedy, a leading Democratic voice for decades, has been undergoing tests at a Boston hospital after he suffered a seizure on Saturday.

“Preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma in the left parietal lobe,” said a statement of his doctors. “The usual course of treatment includes combinations of various forms of radiation and chemotherapy. Decisions regarding the best course of treatment for Sen. Kennedy will be determined after further testing and analysis.”

The statement noted that Kennedy “remains in good overall condition, and is up and walking around the hospital,” but would remain at Massachusetts General Hospital “for the next couple of days according to routine protocol.”

Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced news of Kennedy’s condition to the Democratic Conference during lunch. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) said the news was met with “stunned silence.” Nelson said Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) told the group that he has spoken with his senior senator and that Kennedy is “quite optimistic” of a recovery.

Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) said Republicans learned the news from a GOP senator who announced it during their lunch. Warner, whose eyes were moist, said the GOP conference immediately held a group prayer.

The White House said that President Bush found out about Kennedy’s brain tumor early Tuesday afternoon and was planning to keep the Massachusetts Democrat in his prayers.

White House press secretary Dana Perino said in an e-mail that Bush was informed by staff of Kennedy's ailment and that he was “deeply saddened.”

Sam Youngman contributed to this report.