US Republican Senator John McCain has been diagnosed with a brain tumor following surgery to remove a blood clot from above his left eye, a Phoenix hospital said on Wednesday in a statement cleared by the veteran politician.
"The Senator and his family are reviewing further treatment options with his Mayo Clinic care team. Treatment options may include a combination of chemotherapy and radiation," the Mayo Clinic of Phoenix said in a written statement.
The six-term Republican senator and former presidential nominee, who is 80, has been recovering at home in Arizona since undergoing a procedure to remove a blood clot from above his left eye.
Tissue analysis since that procedure revealed that a primary brain tumor known as a glioblastoma was associated with the clot, his office said.
Doctors say McCain is recovering from his surgery amazingly well and his underlying health is excellent, according to the statement.
His office disclosed the removal of the blood clot late Saturday and said the senator was awaiting pathology reports. In the past, McCain had been treated for melanoma.
In a statement on Twitter, his daughter, Meghan McCain, said: "My love for my father is boundless and like any daughter I cannot and do not wish to be in a world without him. I have faith that those days remain far away."
The senator and chairman of the Armed Services Committee had been recovering at his Arizona home. His absence had forced Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to delay action on health care legislation.
In a statement, McConnell said: "John McCain is a hero to our Conference and a hero to our country. He has never shied from a fight and I know that he will face this challenge with the same extraordinary courage that has characterized his life. The entire Senate family's prayers are with John, Cindy and his family, his staff, and the people of Arizona he represents so well."
In an official statement US President Donald Trump, on behalf of First Lady Melania and their family said:
Our thoughts and prayers to senator McCain, Cindy and their entire family.
Former US President Obama also tweeted a get well message message.
The Clintons also wished McCain speedy recovery.
(With inputs from AP and Reuters)
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