Specter Has Recurrence Of Hodgkin's Disease

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) said on Tuesday he has a recurrence of Hodgkin's disease.

The senator has been battling the cancer of the lymph system since 2005, and a routine scan found it had returned.

“I was surprised by the PET scan findings because I have been feeling so good," Specter said in a statement. "I consider this just another bump on the road to a successful recovery from Hodgkin’s, from which I’ve been symptom free for three years.”

Despite the relapse, the senator's prognosis remains good.

"Senator Specter has an excellent chance of again achieving a complete remission of his Hodgkin’s disease," said his oncologist, Dr. John H. Glick of the University of Pennsylvania.

"Senator Specter’s early diagnosis of his recurrent Hodgkin’s disease has a five- year survival rate of 60 percent,” Glick added. “He is in superb physical condition, with a normal physical examination and blood work, no symptoms of disease, plays squash regularly and follows a careful diet.”

For his part, Specter remained upbeat.

"I’ve beaten some tough medical problems and tough political opponents and I expect to beat this too."