FBI Designee Mueller Has Cancer

W A S H I N G T O N, July 13 -- Robert Mueller, the federal prosecutor chosenby President Bush to head the FBI, has very localized, treatableprostate cancer, according to papers submitted to the Senate insupport of his nomination.

Doctors said they expect Mueller to have a full recovery.

Mueller was evaluated at a cancer center at the University ofCalifornia in San Francisco on April 17, according to a letter fromDr. Peter Carroll, head of the urology department.

‘Very, Very High Likelihood of Cure’

The letter was made available today by the Senate JudiciaryCommittee.

"Mr. Mueller had been diagnosed with a very localized prostatecancer," said Carroll. "This diagnosis was confirmed here."

Extensive imaging and a prostate biopsy showed that Mueller hasa "localized, small volume prostate cancer."

"He is an excellent candidate for a variety of differenttreatment options and has a very, very high likelihood of cure withany," said Carroll.

Carroll said he did not believe that Mueller's diagnosis andtreatment "will, in any way, impact on his ability to function andcarry on his responsibilities normally."

"Treatment can be delivered in a very limited period of timeand early and full recovery is expected," said Carroll.

Mueller, a 56-year-old Republican and decorated Vietnam War veteran,was chosen by Bush to fill a 10-year term as the sixth full-timedirector of the FBI. He is the U.S. attorney in San Francisco.