King Charles III received a cancer diagnosis after a procedure for his enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday. However, they didn't disclose the type or severity of cancer.
"While addressing The King's recent procedure for benign prostate enlargement, another concern emerged during diagnosis: cancer," the palace stated.
The specific type of cancer wasn't specified, but it's confirmed not to be prostate cancer.
Enlarged prostates aren't typically associated with cancer and are common in older men, affecting about 80% of those over 70, according to Yale Medicine. Charles, aged 75, falls into this demographic.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate can include difficulty urinating, urinary incontinence, or frequent nighttime urination. Treatment often involves a transurethral resection, where excess tissue is removed to alleviate urinary issues.
Dr. William Oh, from the Prostate Cancer Foundation, explained that this procedure involves scraping away tissue blocking the bladder's base, allowing for better urine flow.
A scope inserted through the urethra during the procedure can detect nearby cancers, such as in the bladder or urethra, according to Dr. Christian Pavlovich of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Sometimes, cancerous tissue from other organs can be found during prostate tissue analysis, suggesting advanced cancer spread.
While finding cancer during prostate enlargement procedures is rare, it's not impossible, according to Dr. Julio Pow-Sang of Moffitt Cancer Center.
The palace didn't specify the exact procedure Charles underwent but termed it as "corrective."
Regular outpatient cancer treatments have commenced for Charles in London. The palace expressed his gratitude to the medical team and his optimism for returning to public duties soon.