Peter Tork Diagnosed with Rare Tongue Cancer

Former Monkey Peter Tork has been diagnosed with a rare form of tongue cancer. Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is normally found in salivary glands in the head and neck but was found in Tork's tongue. Doctors are optimistic as it was found before it spread. He will undergo surgery today (Thursday).

The 67-year-old Tork was quoted on his website as saying:

"It's a bad news, good news situation. It's so rare a combination(on the tongue) that there isn't a lot of experience among the medical community about this particular combination. On the other hand, the type of cancer it is, never mind the location, is somewhat well known, and the prognosis, I'm told, is good.

"I am extraordinarily grateful, amazed and humbled by the encouragement, affection and support I've received so far. Barring any complications, I fully expect to honor a performance date I have this June with Shoe Suede Blues. We're appearing in Manchester, Connecticut and I'm looking forward to that and all our tour dates."

Tork will undergo radiation treatment after the operation.