Counterpunch has a source who reports that McCain's melanoma has recurred and has spread to his lymph nodes. Counterpunch's anonymous informant does not have first hand knowledge, but relays information given to her by a NIH official. The NIH official reportedly learned of McCain's condition through a doctor in California.
The article is available by subscription only, but here is the tease:
Is McCain Much Sicker Than We Know?
A source tells CounterPunch that McCain received grim news during a recent, secret visit to a top cancer hospital in Los Angeles.
The story continues with interviews from cancer specialists, not treating McCain, who speculate that the recent noted swelling on the left side of his face could be caused by radiation therapy.
Since McCain refuses to allow public review of his medical records, third hand information is as reliable as a guess on the state of his health. Something is wrong, the public has a right to know whether Palin is really the top of their ticket.
The most recent reports about McCains cancer are from July.
McCain's mole removed Posted:
Posted: Monday, July 28, 2008 2:41 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: 2008, McCain
From NBC/NJ's Adam Aigner-Treworgy and NBC's Mark Murray
Obama hasn't been the only one who's been to the doctor lately... McCain had a regular three-month check-up this morning in Phoenix, and the doctor decided to remove a mole-like growth from the right side of his face near the temple, according to a spokesperson for the campaign. The removal was precautionary and the doctor was not concerned about a recurrence of the skin cancer that has left a scar along his left cheek, the spokesperson said.
The campaign's spokesperson was vague about whether McCain was awaiting further tests -- but repeatedly reassured the press corps that there was nothing to worry about and the procedure was purely a precaution.
Mayo Clinic: McCain’s Biopsy Cancer-Free
By Kate Phillips
Senator John McCain in Sparks, Nev., on Tuesday. A biopsy of a spot removed from his right cheek showed no evidence of skin cancer. (Photo: Max Whittaker/Getty Images)The McCain campaign issued a statement this evening from the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where Senator John McCain had a small spot on his face removed and biopsied on Monday.
According to his campaign, Michael Yardley, chairman of the public affairs department at the clinic, issued this statement:
"Senator McCain visited the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, yesterday for a routine check of his dermatological health. The biopsy that was performed did not show any evidence of skin cancer. No further treatment is necessary."