DENVER (AP) -The testicular tumor removed from Denver Nuggets forward Nene was benign, according to a statement posted on the player’s Web site Thursday.
The tumor was removed Monday at a Denver hospital.
“The joint medical team handling Nene’s health has just released the results of the biopsy,” the Web site said. “According to reports presented by doctors, the exams show that the tumor is benign.”
The statement said more information would be released later Thursday.
Nene, from Brazil, took an indefinite leave of absence Friday. There is no timetable for his return.
Dr. Fernando J. Kim, who performed the surgery at Denver Health Medical Center, said earlier that a “right testicular mass was found incidentally and it was managed surgically.”
The tumor was found last week in an exam by team physician Dr. Saurabh Mangalik.
Nene had said the tumor was found at an early stage and indicated he expected to recover.
“I want to thank my fans, my teammates, the Nuggets organization and everyone that’s been supporting me,” he said in a statement released before the tumor was found to be benign. “My victory will represent their victory as well.”
Nene is averaging 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds. He missed 22 games earlier this season after undergoing left thumb surgery. He was out for all but one game of the 2005-06 season after tearing a knee ligament, and he was sidelined for 27 games the season before with a variety of ailments.
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