Following his announcement that he is pulling out from a re-election campaign as mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford revealed that he is now battling a rare form of cancer that will require immediate chemotherapy and his full attention.

During a press conference in Toronto on Wednesday, colorectal surgeon Zane Cohen, from Mount Sinai Hospital, explained the type of malignant tumor that was discovered in Ford's abdomen when he checked in to the hospital from abdominal pains, as well as the course of the treatment they will pursue to fight the cancer.

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The size of the tumor found in Ford's abdomen was determined to be 12cm by 12cm.  Another tumor was found in his left buttock is 2cm.  They have likely been growing for the past three years undetected.

They are a form of cancer called liposarcoma, which is so rare it only affects 1 percent of all cancers.  It affects deep soft tissues in fat cells and, according to doctors, can be very aggressive and difficult.

Although the tumors are malignant, Cohen says he is optimistic because this type of cancer is sensitive to chemotherapy, which Ford will undergo within the next two days as the first stage of his treatment plan.

According to the plan, Ford will undergo three days of chemotherapy at the hospital, followed by 18 days of rest.  After that, they will scan to see if the tumors responded to the chemo and determine how to move forward from there.

"There may or may not be radiation involved, there may or there may not be surgery involved, it will all depend on the response to the initial treatment, and subsequent treatments as well," Cohen told reporters during the briefing.

He also added that although it is impossible to predict how Ford will react to the chemotherapy, he is a strong person, and he is hopeful for the embattled municipal leader.

TagsRob Ford, Cancer, Toronto Mayor