Argentinian president diagnosed with thyroid cancer with operation on January 4

Argentinian president diagnosed with thyroid cancer with operation on January 4

Buenos Aires (CNN) -- Argentina's president will undergo surgery next week after doctors diagnosed her with thyroid cancer, a spokesman said Tuesday.

Doctors are scheduled to operate on Fernandez on January 4. She will take a medical leave and relinquish power to the South American nation's vice president from January 4-24.

Fernandez, 58, was sworn in for a second four-year term earlier this month after she won re-election with more than 54% of the vote.

During Fernandez's presidency, Argentina's economy has enjoyed sustained growth of about 8% annually.

Papillary carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer and has an excellent survival rate, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

More than 95% of adults with papillary thyroid carcinoma survive at least 10 years, according to a description on the library's website. Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is undergoing treatment for throat cancer. 

Sources:
CNN.com