Dick Vitale updates health following surgery

Dick Vitale was released from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Wednesday afternoon following a successful surgery on his vocal cords. He noted that he is experiencing soreness, but nothing that he can’t overcome.

Vitale said he had to remain overnight for monitoring following surgery, and despite a challenging three-hour operation. The doctors successfully carried out the procedure to treat a severe form of dysplasia, Carcinoma in Situ, on his vocal cords.

Vitale shared several months ago that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma, just months after revealing that he had been diagnosed with melanoma. The college basketball world was sent into shock at the news that Vitale had been diagnosed with a second form of cancer so soon after his melanoma diagnosis. The former NBA coach underwent multiple surgeries to remove melanoma, which is now clear. Vitale has been told by doctors that the two cancers are unrelated. Ever since, Vitale has received love and support from coaches, athletes and journalists alike.

The surgery comes a little over several weeks since the beloved ESPN color commentator announced that he would be taking a break from calling games and making television appearances for the remainder of the 2021-22 college basketball season. Vitale plans to make a complete comeback for next season.

“Now, it is mandatory that I continue total voice rest for the next four weeks to help the healing process – doc’s orders. However, he feels optimistic that if I follow his plan [which I will] that he will get me back court side to do what I truly love – talking college hoops for ESPN during the 2022-23 season,” Vitale wrote. “A big THANK YOU to Dr. Zeitels and his staff and many others at Mass General for caring for me in such a professional manner. Dr. Z and all involved in my surgery and treatment were “Awesome Baby” with a capital ‘A.’”

Vitale provided another update on Twitter directly after the procedure.

“Sorry, due to discomfort from surgery I’ll be limited on social media. Love ALL of you that have sent me [love and prayers]. It was a 3 [hour] surgery Dr Zeitels said was tough but got what he needed vs Dysplasia & ulcerated lesions/must do 4 week voice rest,” Vitale wrote on Twitter.

Once he returns to social media, be sure to follow Vitale on Twitter, as he provides updates on his health throughout his cancer recovery, as well as providing his one-of-a-kind commentary on the current landscape of college basketball in 2022.

Read more about Vitale’s surgery and his recovery timetable here.