Democratic congressman announces cancer diagnosis

Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee of Michigan revealed that he has been diagnosed with a curable type of cancer and will undergo surgery.

The congressman, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives for just over a decade, explained in a statement that a small tumor was discovered in one of his tonsils.

"A few weeks ago, after consulting with my doctors, I scheduled what I thought was a preventive scan for a swollen lymph node. The results, it turns out, were more significant," Kildee said in a statement. "After additional testing, I've been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a serious but curable form of cancer. Thankfully, I caught it very early. With early detection and great doctors, they found a very small tumor in one of my tonsils."

"In a few weeks, I will have surgery to remove the cancer. The prognosis after surgery and treatment is excellent. My doctors have advised me it will take a few weeks to recover after the surgery. I'm eager to have this chapter behind me and get back to work. But in the meantime, I'll be away from the office for a period of time. My congressional office will remain open to serve the people of Michigan's Eighth Congressional District," he said.

Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle responded to the news by expressing their support for the congressman.

"So sorry to learn my wonderful friend @RepDanKildee, model of a public servant, has been diagnosed with cancer," Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland tweeted. "Dan, we know you’ll face this challenge with characteristic toughness, resolve and good humor. Sending love and strength."

Raskin announced last year that he had "been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer."

Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania underwent surgery for prostate cancer earlier this year.

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has been discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center more than a month after he checked in to seek treatment for clinical depression.

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