Abnormality found in Mandela's blood

By M.S. Prabhakara

CAPE TOWN, NOV. 25. Doctors of Mr. Nelson Mandela have found an ``abnormality'' in his blood, related to the high levels of protein in his prostate. Mr. Mandela underwent prostate surgery in November 1985, while a prisoner in the Pollsmoor prison in Cape Town, following diagnosis of an enlarged prostate gland after what he himself describes as a ``routine medical examination by the prison doctor''. After his release, he underwent another minor surgery in June 1990, to remove an inflammatory cyst from his bladder.

The present problem was diagnosed during a routine medical examination about a week ago. According to an SABC radio news broadcast this morning, the doctors said the abnormality, related to ``a high level of prostate-specific antigen'', was not life- threatening. Such an ``abnormality'' was common among elderly persons, according to Dr. Michael Plit, one of the two physicians who briefed the media yesterday evening. The doctors have planned further tests. Mr. Mandela himself joked at the briefing that his death was not imminent.

Mr. Mandela, who is 83 (born July 18, 1918), remains fit though his movements are nowadays decidedly slow. For a man of his age he is also very active. He continues to travel frequently and widely, both inside the country and outside. Currently, he is engaged as a mediator and facilitator in the gruelling ``peace process'' in Burundi.

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Section  : International
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