Categories: HealthWorld News

President Of Panama Announces Blood Cancer Diagnosis

Cortizo, 69, announced on Monday that he suffers from “myelodysplastic syndrome,” a type of cancer that attacks blood cells, although he said he feels fine and in “good spirits.” (Photo by Panamanian Presidency / AFP) 

 

 

The President of Panama Laurentino Cortizo said on Monday that he has blood cancer, although the 69-year-old said he feels well and is in “good spirits.”

In late May, Cortizo’s doctors detected “a decrease in hemoglobin and white blood cell count” during routine testing, the president said in a televised statement.

Specialists recommended that a bone marrow biopsy be performed, and samples were sent to a US laboratory, and he was diagnosed with “intermediate risk” myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of cancer that hinders the production of blood cells.

Cortizo said he will undergo a second evaluation in the US city of Houston in July to find out the extent of the disease.

“I want to say that I feel well, I’m in good spirits and that I will continue with my regular work,” he added.

“The disease diagnosed to the president is a type of blood cancer,” Julio Sandoval, a doctor specializing in internal medicine and critical care, told AFP.

According to Sandoval, this type of cancer causes a decrease in hemoglobin, and abnormal levels of platelets and white blood cells, making the patient feel tired and weak, and leading to weight loss.

The disease can be caused “by a genetic disorder that develops silently and appears after the age of 60,” Sandoval said.

Life expectancy, which will depend on the specific type of cancer Cortizo has, can range “from six months to 15 years,” he added.

Nebianet Usaini

Disqus Comments Loading...
Share
Published by
Nebianet Usaini
Tags: Panama

Recent Posts

Coups: Guinea-Bissau President Beefs Up Personal Security

Guinea-Bissau has suffered four military coups since independence in 1974, most recently in 2012.

4 hours ago

Free Grain Exports To Africa To Begin In ‘Weeks’, Says Putin

"We are close to completing agreements with six African states, where we intend to supply…

4 hours ago

‘Unacceptable’, FG Faults Inauguration Of Gabon Coup Leader As Interim President

The Nigerian Government demanded an immediate return to democracy in Gabon.

4 hours ago

Sylvester: Inquest Resumes With Testimony Of Minors

At the proceedings, two students of the college who had earlier testified gave their testimonies…

5 hours ago

Oshodi Constituency: Tribunal Upholds LP’s Onuakalusi, Dismisses APC’s Petition

In a unanimous decision, the tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress…

5 hours ago

Tribunal’s Judgment Not Final, Parties Free To Approach Supreme Court, Says Falana

He said it is for the justices to look at the evidence presented by the…

5 hours ago