Harris to have ovarian mass removed, tested

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published July 8, 2006

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TAMPA - Rep. Katherine Harris announced Friday she will have surgery this month to remove an ovarian mass, which will be tested to determine if it is malignant.

The 49-year-old congresswoman, who is campaigning for the Republican nomination for the Senate, will visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington Monday for preoperative testing, her campaign office said in a statement.

"Doctors say it has low risk for malignancy," said Chris Ingram, Harris' campaign spokesman.

A minimally invasive procedure to remove the mass is set for July 17.

Harris said she looks forward to a speedy recovery, returning to Congress and hitting the campaign trail. Recent polls show her trailing badly in her bid to oust incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson.