HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Beastie Boys member Adam "MCA" Yauch has been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland, prompting a delay in the band's new album and concert tour.
"I just need to take a little time to get this in check, and then we'll release the record and play some shows," the 44-year-old Yauch said in a video statement Monday on his band's official Web site. "It's a pain in the neck (sorry had to say it) because I was really looking forward to playing these shows, but the doctors have made it clear that this is not the kind of thing that can be put aside to deal with later."
As a result of the medical emergency, the Beastie Boys are pushing back the release of their upcoming album "Hot Sauce Committee Part 1," which was due to drop on Sept. 15. The band is also delaying their tour plans for the immediate future. New dates for both have yet to be determined.
Yauch said he started feeling a lump in his throat about two months ago, however it wasn't until he returned from Europe recently that he went to see a doctor. The singer said he was diagnosed with a cancerous growth in his left salivary gland and an adjacent lymph node. A full body scan showed the cancer had not spread.
Yauch said that he expects to have surgery next week, which will be followed by radiation treatment. He said his medical problem is "very treatable in most cases" and shouldn't impact his singing ability.
"I apologize to everybody, for anyone who's made plans or was psyched to come to these shows that are coming up," he said. "We'll be back doing this, so that's what's up."
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