Rep. Murphy having surgery for tumor at base of skull

U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy announced recently that he is undergoing surgery to remove a tumor from the base of his skull.

The District 3 Republican said May 21 that after a series of tests and scans he was diagnosed with a tumor called a pituitary macroadenoma.

“It is thought to be a benign tumor, however, given its size and location, and its subsequent ability to affect vital structures in the brain, I am scheduled to have it surgically removed,” Murphy said.

His office did not answer questions about when and where the surgery would take place.

“As every patient should, I have the utmost faith in my physicians and surgeons to get me through this and back on the road to full recovery,” he said.

The makeup of the U.S. House of Representatives is 217 Republicans and 213 Democrats, with five seats vacant, according to the U.S. House of Representatives Press Gallery website.

With Murphy recovering from his surgery, the Republican Party majority drops to 216.

Murphy said he hopes to soon return to work.

“The prognosis is excellent, and I hope to be back to work full-time soon. I am, as are all things, in the hands of God and am at absolute peace,” he said. “I appreciate your thoughts and prayers and hope everyone understands our desire for privacy at this time.”

Murphy, a urologist and surgeon, also offered praised to doctors, nurses and other medical providers “who train and sacrifice for years and years to care for others have answered the highest call of humanity and should be appreciated for such.”

He also shared his gratitude for his wife, Wendy, their family, his staff and “the wonderful, amazing, and patriotic constituents of North Carolina’s 3rd District.”