Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced on TV from Cuba that a malignant tumor was surgically removed from his “pelvic region”. He says he is undergoing intensive post-operative medical therapy in Cuba and hopes to return to his country soon.

Chavez explained to his nation that during his last trip he had planned to have his left knee checked by Cuban doctors. He had no idea at the time that there might have been anything else wrong. He added that the knee lesion, which had occurred in May, was nearly completely healed.

Chavez admitted that he had been experiencing discomfort in his pelvic area for several weeks, but had tried to ignore the symptoms. After being persuaded by ex-Cuban president Fidel Castro, he underwent a series of medical tests.

He explained that a “strange formation” was detected in the pelvic region. Doctors told him he would need surgery to prevent the risk of a generalized infection. In the early hours of Saturday, 11 June, he underwent surgery. This was followed by an intensive course of antibiotics, after which he felt much better.

However, some of the tests revealed another growth which had not been detected before. Further tests were ordered, which “..confirmed the presence of a tumor abscess containing cancerous cells.” Chaves underwent a second operation, one which he described as major. He says the operation was a success and that he is now undergoing intensive post-operative treatment.

According to Chavez, it was Fidel Castro who told him he had cancer.

There are no further details yet on where exactly the cancer was located, the type of cancer, or how advanced it was.

In contrast to most countries, which might experience some financial fragility when their leader becomes seriously ill, the Wall Street Journal reported today that in Venezuela bonds “extended their recent rally after Hugo Chavez’s confirmation he had cancer,” an indication that if he were forced to leave his job, the country might not suffer financial turbulence.

Hugo Chavez’s TV announcement ends three weeks of growing speculation about his health.

Sources: Various Venezuelan media, Wall Street Journal.

Written by Christian Nordqvist