Michael Douglas Has Throat Tumor: What are His Chances?

Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas, 65, is-taking is a New Role in real life:

Cancer patient.

PICTURES: Michael Douglas Battles Cancer

The 65-year-old ex-smoker has a tumor in the throat at his will and underwent radiation and chemotherapy in a series of treatments Expected to last eight weeks.

Douglas is likely that make a full recovery, says Dr. Robert Haddad, an oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston Who Is Not Involved in Douglas's care.

But who says the cancer is Probably in a Relatively advanced state.

If Douglas' cancer were Stage I or II, Dr. Haddad says, the Treatment'd Probably be limited Thurs radiation alone.

"This is likely to Be Stage III or IV," he says. "My prediction is, based on the information released, That the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck."

Douglas has a Difficult Journey ahead. During the two months of Treatment, they May Have to be fed through a tube, as swallowing will be difficult.

Many Patients Develop severe mouth sores, and the need dependency strong pain medications even if we like Morphine Narcotics, to get through it.

These Side Effects of Radiation Can Thurs last two-three months on the Treatment, According to Haddad. Once Douglas gets through it - and Haddad Said this type of cancer responds well Thurs radiation and chemotherapy - they will not have to try to some life Adjustments.

Not only must they never smoke, they must stay away from second-hand smoke and alcohol.

If the cancer returns, it will be very hard to treat a second time.