Doctors operate on Kennedy brain tumour

A statement from the Massachusetts Democrat’s office said he would be operated on today in Durham, North Carolina, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

“I am deeply grateful to the people of Massachusetts and to my friends, colleagues and so many others across the country and around the world who have expressed their support and good wishes as I tackle this new and unexpected health challenge,” Mr Kennedy said in the statement.

“I am humbled by the outpouring and am strengthened by your prayers and kindness.”

He expects to remain at the North Carolina facility for a week to recuperate and then will begin further treatments at Massachusetts General Hospital and start chemotherapy.

Mr Kennedy said that over the past few days he and his wife, Vicki, “along with my outstanding team of doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital, have consulted with experts from around the country and have decided that the best course of action for my brain tumour is targeted surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation.”

He said: “I look forward to returning to the United States Senate and to doing everything I can to help elect Barack Obama as our next president.”

Mr Kennedy was taken into hospital last month after a seizure. Doctors later announced that he had a malignant glioma in his left parietal lobe, a brain region that governs sensation but also plays some role in movement and language.