Sen. Johanns to have lung surgery

Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) will have surgery Tuesday to address what may be a cancerous spot on his left lung, his office has announced.

The procedure, which his office described as “cautionary,” will take place at Virginia Hospital Center.

{mosads}”Doctors discovered the spot during testing conducted on Nov. 25 in follow up to a Nov. 14 routine physical,” his office said in a statement. “Doctors initially monitored the spot and decided during an examination [Monday] to proceed with surgery [Tuesday].

“The surgery could involve removal of the lower lobe of the left lung. The exact nature of the spot, including whether it is cancerous, will be determined following the surgery.”

The office said the former Agriculture secretary’s recovery time is expected to be 10 days, at which time he will return to work.

Johanns was elected in November to replace former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.).