Dick Vitale undergoes surgery amid latest cancer battle

Dick Vitale underwent successful surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes from his neck on Tuesday, the longtime ESPN college basketball commentator announced on social media.This came just four days after he revealed that he was battling cancer again.“I’m in recovery after my surgery & the surgeon Dr Vosler removed the Lymph node that was cancerous & surrounding lymph nodes which he sent for a pathology report he stated &  was pleased with what took place.Once again THANKS for all of your prayers,” Vitale wrote in a post on X.Vitale, 85, shared Friday that he was dealing with his fourth bout of cancer since first being diagnosed in 2021.“With all the [prayer emojis] I have received & the loving support of my family,friends & @espn  colleagues I  will win this battle.” Vitale wrote on X then.

“Surgery on Tues.will be a success.  Thanks for All the prayers.”In December, Vitale had said he was cancer-free after a five-month battle with vocal cord cancer. “I have heard from many cancer patients that say it is the most nervous time waiting for the call with the news,” Vitale wrote on X at the time. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer’s first confrontation with cancer came in 2021 when he was diagnosed with melanoma, and later that year, lymphoma. In November 2021, Vitale made an emotional return to the announcing chair, his first broadcast since his first cancer diagnosis.“I can’t believe I’m sitting here,” Vitale said fighting back tears.

“This is really a big thrill for me.I want to thank all who sent me so many great messages, [ESPN president] Jimmy Pitaro, all my buddies at ESPN.

I want to thank certainly my family and all the fans.My, you have been unbelievable.”After missing the 2023-24 college basketball season while dealing with vocal cord cancer, Vitale announced on June 17 that he was optimistic about getting back in the booth this fall. Vitale has been a mainstay on ESPN’s airwaves si...