PENGUINS' LEMIEUX DIAGNOSED WITH HODGKIN'S DISEASE

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 13, 1993                   TAG: 9301130199
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: PITTSBURGH                                LENGTH: Short
PENGUINS' LEMIEUX DIAGNOSED WITH HODGKIN'S DISEASE
Mario Lemieux has Hodgkin's disease, a cancer that attacks the lymph nodes, but his doctor insisted Tuesday the illness shouldn't threaten the life or career of the hockey star.
Lemieux, the NHL's leading scorer, was diagnosed in the early stages of the disease after a large lymph node was removed from his neck, according to a statement issued by the Pittsburgh Penguins and approved by team physician Charles Burke.
The disease is confined to the abnormal lymph node, and subsequent tests have shown no evidence of any other problems. Lemieux, 27, is expected to undergo radiation treatment for the next month.
The Penguins said Lemieux could return to the lineup in 4-6 weeks, although that projection could be overly optimistic if he does undergo radiation treatment.
Hodgkin's disease, named for the English physician who discovered it, is a disease of unknown cause characterized by the progressive enlargement of the lymph nodes and inflammation of some body organs such as the spleen and liver.
Lemieux wasn't available for comment and no Penguins team officials would discuss the illness. General manager Craig Patrick was in California, reportedly meeting with team owner Howard Baldwin, but is to return for a news conference Friday that Lemieux also will attend.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB