Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan has been diagnosed with cancer. He will not be with the team for the start of spring training so he can focus on treatment and recovery.
The Twins released a statement from Ryan on Monday, describing the recent discovery of a lump in his neck by the team physician during a routine annual physical. The subsequent biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma.
Ryan said further tests indicated the cancer appeared to be confined to his neck and had not spread. He said he has been assured his condition is treatable, and he remains optimistic about a return to good health “in the near future.”
Ryan has begun treatment at the Mayo Clinic as well as Minnesota Oncology.
Ryan’s full statement is below.
“As the Minnesota Twins prepare to open spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., I felt it was important to take this opportunity to share information surrounding my personal health.
During the course of a routine annual physical, Twins team physician Dr. Vijay Eyunni detected a lump in my neck which required further review. A subsequent biopsy confirmed the lump was cancerous, leading to an official medical diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. Thankfully, incremental tests indicate the cancer appears to be confined to my neck and has not spread to other regions of my body.
At the direction of Dr. Eyunni, I am currently being treated at the Mayo Clinic as well as Minnesota Oncology. I’ve been assured this form of cancer is treatable and remain optimistic about my return to good health in the near future.
Understanding the need to focus on treatment and recovery, I will not be in Fort Myers as we commence spring training. That said, I’m highly confident in the proven leadership of our baseball operations team, including Rob Antony, Mike Radcliff, Ron Gardenhire and others as we collectively prepare for the 2014 major league season.
Lastly, my family and I would like to say thank you to Dr. Eyunni as well as the doctors and medical staff at the Mayo Clinic and Minnesota Oncology. In addition, we are grateful for the many friends and colleagues who have sent their well wishes and support throughout this challenging time. It’s my intention to see you back at the ballpark as soon as possible.”
