The president of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, said on Monday, June 20, that he has myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare blood condition.
The 69-year-old claimed he feels okay and is in “excellent spirits,” but Cortizo added that he would be seeking a second medical opinion.
The president stated on television that in late May, routine testing revealed “a reduction in haemoglobin and white blood cell count.”
On the advice of experts, a bone marrow biopsy was then carried out, and samples were submitted to a US laboratory. Then, “intermediate risk” myelodysplastic syndrome was identified in him.
Cortizo did not reveal if he would receive treatment. He said that he will undergo a second evaluation in the US city of Houston in July to find out the extent of the disease.
“I want to say that I feel well, I’m in good spirits and that I will continue with my regular work,” Cortizo said.
According to the American Cancer Society, myelodysplastic syndrome is considered a type of cancer affecting the body’s ability to make healthy blood cells in the bone marrow.
The disorder basically hinders the production of blood cells.
