Arizona Sen. John McCain has been diagnosed with brain cancer after doctors discovered a tumor during a recent blood clot procedure, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.
According to CNN’s reporting, the brain tumor discovered by doctors is “aggressive.”
More from CNN:
The senator underwent surgery to remove a blood clot on Friday at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix. Lab results from that surgery confirmed the presence of glioblastoma associated with the blood clot.
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Glioblastoma is a particularly aggressive tumor that forms in the tissue of the brain and spinal cord, according to the American Brain Tumor Association.
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“It’s a very aggressive tumor,” said Gupta. He explained that average survival for malignant glioblastoma tends to be around 14 months with treatment. In McCain’s case, additional therapy, including radiation, could not begin until the incision heals, which would be in the next three or four weeks.
CNN noted that the tumor is the same type that the late Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy had.
The unexpected news has prompted immediate reactions from members of both political parties who have taken to social media to wish the senator well.
Heartbreaking news. I’ve traveled the world w @SenJohnMcCain. I learned a lot from him – first and foremost, there is no one tougher. pic.twitter.com/gPtHDW1RlE
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero. I pray for him and his family. I look forward to seeing him soon.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 20, 2017
I’m praying for @SenJohnMcCain & his family tonight. Our nation is with him as he takes on this fight.
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) July 20, 2017
At this hour, it’s unclear and, quite frankly, irrelevant how McCain’s diagnosis will impact the current fight over health care in Congress.
As many political leaders have shown on Wednesday, there are some things – this news included – that should rise above partisan politics.
Sean Colarossi currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and was an organizing fellow for both of President Obama’s presidential campaigns. He also worked with Planned Parenthood as an Affordable Care Act Outreach Organizer in 2014, helping northeast Ohio residents obtain health insurance coverage.