The Caracas cancer

Outlook for Chávez Darkens, Doctors Say

Cancer Specialists Say Disease's Recurrence Means Venezuelan Leader Is Increasingly at Risk, He Likely Has Sarcoma

By JOSÉ DE CÓRDOBA and RON WINSLOW, WSJ

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez's cancer is most likely terminal given the disease's recurrences, and while the president may bounce back for periods, his health is increasingly at risk, say several leading cancer specialists not involved in the treatment.

Mr. Chávez is recovering from surgery in Cuba this week after the president said malignant cells reappeared for a third time in his abdomen. Venezuela's government hasn't disclosed what type of cancer he has or what the surgery was for. But it has described the more than six-hour operation as "complex and delicate" and said Mr. Chávez might not be back in Caracas in time for his Jan. 10 inauguration for a new term after 14 years in power.

Doctors say Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is almost certainly suffering from sarcoma, a rare cancer that is usually more aggressive than other types of the disease. Jose de Cordoba has details on The News Hub. Photo: Reuters.

On Thursday, Venezuela's government said doctors upgraded Mr. Chávez's condition to "favorable" from "stable." Earlier, it said the operation had "complications" and "needed corrective treatment due to bleeding."

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