Mayor Ford hospitalized after tumour found in abdomen; biopsy pending

Mayor Rob Ford has a tumour in his lower left abdomen and doctors at Humber River Hospital are in the process of trying to determine if it’s cancerous.

The tumour was discovered during a CT scan after the mayor attended the hospital’s Church Street emergency department on Wednesday complaining of intense pain.

At a conference Wednesday evening, Humber River Hospital CEO, Dr. Rueben Devlin said Ford has been experiencing abdominal pain for up to three months, but it had greatly intensified over the last 24 hours.

“We need to determine exactly what type of tumour it is and then we can decide on what treatment he needs,” he said.

Devlin said biopsy results should be completed within a week.

Devlin also said tests are being conducted to see if the tumour is anywhere else.

“It wasn’t a small tumour, but the size is not as relevant as what it is,” Devlin told reporters.

A shaken Coun. Doug Ford thanked supporters for their well-wishes, but wouldn’t speculate on the mayor’s political future, saying he would speak to the media in the coming days.

Coun. Ford said his brother is in “good spirits,” adding that the mayor complained of stomach pain when the two shared breakfast on Wednesday morning.

It’s not the first time Ford has had health problems.

He was hospitalized overnight in August 2013 for throat and stomach irritation which aggravated his asthma, his press secretary said at the time.

In February 2011, he was treated for kidney stones at a local hospital.

In 2009, Ford had a tumour on his appendix. His appendix and part of his colon were removed and he was back at work within a few weeks.

Ford also spent two months at a rehab facility in Muskoka this year, leaving Toronto in late April and returning to work on June 30.

Ford is currently battling for reelection, but is trailing rival candidate John Tory in the most recent polls.

Tory tweeted a message to the Fords on Wednesday night.

“While you may see us debating, we are also human beings. Rob Ford is a husband, father, son and brother and I want to see him back in good health as soon as possible and back where he would want to be — with us at the debating tables talking about the city we all love. Get well soon.”

Mayoral candidate Olivia Chow also tweeted well-wishes to Ford.

Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly did too.

Voters head to the polls on Oct. 27.