Rep. Jim McGovern Has Thyroid Cancer Surgery

WASHINGTON (CBS/AP) - Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern is recovering from surgery to remove the thyroid gland in his neck after a biopsy showed papillary cancer.

Dr. Brian P. Monahan says in a statement that the Worcester Democrat underwent surgery Monday.

Monahan says McGovern is expected to be discharged from the hospital in time for the lame-duck session of Congress beginning next week.

Monahan says the vast majority of patients with similar conditions are cured with surgery and do not experience any further issues with the disease.

McGovern's wife, Lisa McGovern, says in a statement that her husband was feeling good and his prognois was excellent.

McGovern was first elected to the House in 1996.

He was re-elected last week when he defeated Republican challenger Marty Lamb.

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