Argentine president Cristina Fernandez was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a government spokesman said Tuesday.
The cancer has not spread, and Fernandez will undergo surgery in January.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON ALFREDO SCOCCIMARRO, SAYING:
"On the 22nd of December during routine medical examinations on the President of the Nation, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, the existence of papillary carcinoma on the right lobe of the thyroid gland was discovered."
Papillary carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer and usually affects women under the age of 40.
Fernandez is expected to take a leave of absence for her surgery from the beginning of January.
The 58-year-old president known for her glamour and oratorical skills easily won a second term last October.
She made a remarkable political comeback despite the death of her husband, former President Nestor Kirchner.
The couple was known for their unorthodox blend of state intervention, nationalist rhetoric and championing of human rights.
Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.
