Polyps removed during Bush exam

WASHINGTON – Five small polyps removed Saturday from President Bush’s colon will be examined under a microscope for signs of cancer, but the White House said none “appeared worrisome” and are considered likely to be benign.

The results of testing, to be conducted at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., will be announced by Tuesday and will “determine the final diagnosis and recommendations for future examinations,” according to a White House statement.

Each polyp was less than 1 centimeter in diameter, meaning they were probably caught before cancer could develop. The procedure took place at Camp David under the supervision of Bush’s physician, Dr. Richard Tubb.

The 31-minute exam, for which Bush was sedated, marked the second time that he has invoked the 25th Amendment of the Constitution temporarily to hand presidential duties over to Vice President Dick Cheney. The first time was five years ago while Bush underwent the same medical procedure.

Bush transferred power, as required, with letters to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate President Pro Tem Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., informing them shortly after 7 a.m. that, “I am unable to discharge the constitutional powers and duties of the office of the president of the United States.”

Cheney, who was at his Chesapeake Bay vacation home, served as “acting president” Saturday morning for two hours and five minutes, until Bush reclaimed his authority at 9:21 a.m.

Polyps are common among men in their 50s and older, and can lead to cancer if left untreated. Bush, 61, had two polyps removed in the years before he took office and was told to get a colonoscopy every five years. None was found in 2002, and aides said he was exhibiting no symptoms of illness before Saturday’s exam.