A King-Sized Cancer Scare
After an earlier-than-anticipated exit from the NBA Playoffs this past season, the spotlight has shined brighter than ever on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
One storyline no one reported? Forget Dwight Howard – how about the King’s potential battle with cancer?
James had developed a growth on his parotid gland (it produces saliva), and while 70 to 80 percent of those growths turn up benign, James found himself worried.
“I was working with some good professionals,” James said. “They were telling me they didn’t think it was cancer, but we had to be sure, of course.”
While the growth didn’t cause James pain initially, it had grown enough in size that it was visibly noticeable, and had the potential to grow malignant if left unchecked. James took the cautious approach and arranged for surgery soon after the season ended.
“It was a nerve-racking experience but I knew at that point I had to get it done,” James said. “I was on edge for those few days, I was lucky the season was going on and we were playing really well so I could concentrate on basketball. My family was nervous.”
James went onto the operating table on June 3, two days after the Cavs were knocked out by the Orlando Magic. Dr. Frank Papay of the Cleveland Clinic worked the surgery, which lasted twice as long as expected (six hours!) but went without any major complications.
Now, Cleveland fans are ready to welcome their King back to the court… with a 7’, 300 pound sidekick this time around.
