The Hill News

Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.) had surgery on Monday to remove his thyroid gland after he was found to have papillary thyroid cancer.

In a statement, McGovern's wife, Lisa, said that the seven-term congressman is recovering from the procedure, which was performed at the Washington Hospital Center after a biopsy discovered the cancer. 

"He’s feeling good, and his prognosis is excellent," she said.

Dr. Brian P. Monahan said in the statement that McGovern is expected to leave the hospital before Congress convenes for its lame-duck session on Nov. 15. 

"The vast majority of patients are cured with surgery and do not experience any further issues with the disease," Monahan said.