Giuseppe Sandro Mela.
2018-12-21.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has malignant growths removed from lung, no signs of cancer remain
«Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had two cancerous growths removed from her lung Friday and will remain hospitalized for several days.
Ginsburg, the leader of the court’s liberal faction, underwent a pulmonary lobectomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, according to a news release from the court.
The procedure to remove two nodules in the lower lobe of her left lung followed their discovery during tests performed last month to diagnose and treat rib fractures suffered in a fall on Nov. 7.
Both nodules removed during surgery were found to be malignant on initial pathology evaluation, according to thoracic surgeon Valerie Rusch, the court’s release said. Post-surgery, there was no evidence of any remaining disease in the lung or anywhere else in Ginsburg’s body, the court said.
“Currently, no further treatment is planned,” the court release said. “Justice Ginsburg is resting comfortably and is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days. Updates will be provided as they become available.”
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. From 2009-13, it caused more deaths than breast, prostate, colorectal and liver cancers combined. The five-year survival rate is just 18%, but far better if the cancer is discovered at an early stage.
Ginsburg, a 25-year veteran of the nation’s highest court and a cultural icon among liberals and proponents of women’s rights, has been closely monitored by those on the left and right for her health. Conservatives have a 5-4 majority on the court, and future vacancies during President Donald Trump’s watch could increase that margin. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority in the Senate next year.»