Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter's office announced today that the Senator has been diagnosed with stage IVB Hodgkin's disease. The Senator had noticed enlarged lymph nodes under his left arm and above his left clavicle and had been experiencing persistent fevers. Hodgkin's Disease is classified by number of lymph nodes involved and the likelihood of involvement of other organs. In addition, Hodgkin's is given a letter classification indicating additional symptoms. Senator Specter is expected to receive ABVD chemotherapy every two weeks over the next 24 to 32 weeks at the Abramson Cancer Center. An excellent resource to learn more about Hodgkin's Disease is About's A.D.A.M. Healthcare Center.

For the full text of the press release by Senator Specter's office... STATEMENT REGARDING SENATOR ARLEN SPECTER

Senator Arlen Specter today announced that he has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. Hodgkin’s disease is a cancer of the lymph system. Approximately 7500 new cases are diagnosed every year in the United States.

Senator Specter had experienced persistent fevers and enlarged lymph nodes under his left arm and above his left clavicle. He received testing on February 14th at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. The testing involved biopsy of a lymph node and biopsy of bone marrow. The lymph node was positive for Hodgkin’s disease. The bone marrow biopsy showed no cancer. A follow up PET scan and MRI at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania on February 16th established that Senator Specter has stage IVB Hodgkin’s disease.

Senator Specter is expected to receive ABVD chemotherapy every two weeks over the next 24 to 32 weeks at the Abramson Cancer Center.

It is expected that Senator Specter will be able to perform all duties of his office including those related to the chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee.

Senator Specter’s oncologist, John H. Glick, M.D., said: “Senator Specter has an excellent chance of being completely cured of his Hodgkin’s disease. Senator Specter’s Hodgkin’s disease has a five-year survival rate of 70%. He is in superb physical condition, particularly in light of his daily squash regimen.” Dr. Glick is Professor of Medicine at Penn and a nationally renowned expert in Hodgkin’s disease.

Senator Specter said: “I have beaten a brain tumor, bypass heart surgery and many tough political opponents; and I’m going to beat this too. I have a lot more work to do for Pennsylvania and America.”