© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ford being treated for aggressive tumor

Doctors in Toronto have provided a medical update on the condition of controversial mayor Rob Ford.  He’s been diagnosed with a malignant and aggressive tumor and will undergo chemo therapy over the next few weeks.“The diagnosis is a malignant lip sarcoma,” said Dr. Zane Cohen, the head of oncology at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital.

Cohen says that determination came after a second biopsy this week.  He says this type of tumor comprises about only one percent of all cancers. He says it is usually found in the soft fatty tissue of the body and not in any of the organs. 

"It has about 60 cell types and that’s what makes it a very rare tumor  and a very difficult tumor,” Cohen said.

He also described it as aggressive and it has spread -- a small nodule was found in the buttock behind the left hip.

Cohen says Ford will now undergo at least two rounds of chemo therapy and depending on how the turmor responds, that will determine whether more chemo is necessary or if radiation or surgery become options.

Ford has been in the hospital since last week.  He’s pulled out of the race for mayor and is now running for a seat on the city council.    His brother Doug has taken over the campaign and will run for mayor instead.

For days members of the Ford family have been visiting the hospital, but have made no public comments about his condition.

The 45-year-old mayor had a tumor removed on his appendix removed in 2009 and went into rehab nearly a year after a drug related scandal involving crack cocaine that drew world wide attention.

WBFO’s comprehensive news coverage extends into Southern Ontario and Dan Karpenchuk is the station’s voice from the north. The award-winning reporter covers binational issues, including economic trends, the environment, tourism and transportation.