Twins GM Ryan Says He Has Treatable Cancer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan has been diagnosed with cancer. He will not be with the team for the start of spring training so he can focus on treatment and recovery.

The Twins released a statement from Ryan on Monday, describing the recent discovery of a lump in his neck by the team physician during a routine annual physical. The subsequent biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma.

Ryan says further tests indicated the cancer appeared to be confined to his neck and had not spread. He says he has been assured his condition is treatable and he remains optimistic about a return to good health "in the near future."

Ryan has begun treatment at the Mayo Clinic as well as Minnesota Oncology.