HOUSTON, March 18 (UPI) -- Houston Rockets Coach Rudy Tomjanovich was diagnosed with a superficial bladder tumor that will not require surgery.
Tomjanovich, 54, underwent a cystoscopic evaluation and biopsy on Monday in an attempt to determine if the abnormality found on his bladder last week is cancerous. The 30-minute procedure was performed by Dr. Richard Goldfard, a urologist at Methodist Hospital, and the results produced good news.
"Rudy's treatment options are optimistic," said Rockets team physician Dr. James Muntz. "His condition does not require surgery. Instead, he will receive treatments once a week, beginning in two weeks."
Tomjanovich was released from the hospital and returned to his Houston home.
He will not be with the Rockets for Tuesday's game at Seattle, but is expected to rejoin the team during its five-game road trip that also includes games at Portland, Golden State, Sacramento, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Tomjanovich, who never has missed a regular-season game as Rockets' coach, told his players the news after Sunday's 85-75 win over Phoenix. Assistant Larry Smith will coach the team in his absence.
Tomjanovich is in his 12th season as Rockets coach.
