FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2012 file photo, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez talks to the press after a meeting with foreign ministers of the countries members of the ALBA (Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas) trade block at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela. Chavez said on state television on Tuesday Feb. 21 that doctors in Cuba have found a new lesion in the area where cancer was detected last year and that he will face a new operation. Chavez described the newly discovered lesion as small. Ariana Cubillos, File / AP Photo

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By FABIOLA SANCHEZ

Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela -- President Hugo Chavez said Tuesday that doctors in Cuba have found a new lesion in the area where he had cancer surgery last year, and he will require surgery.

"It is a small lesion of about 2 centimeters (less than 1 inch) in diameter, very clearly visible," Chavez told state television.

The announcement throws new uncertainty over the country's politics because the socialist leader is seeking re-election this year, hoping to extend his more than 13 years in power.

He did not say when he would undergo the surgery, other than "in the coming days."

Chavez, 57, said the new surgery should be less complicated than what he underwent in Cuba in June, when doctors removed cancerous tumor from his pelvic region. From July to September, he received four rounds of chemotherapy, both in Cuba and in Venezuela, and he has since said that tests show he is cancer-free.

On Tuesday he denied rumors that the cancer had spread to his liver. He has never specified the cancer's exact nature or location.

In recent weeks, Chavez has recovered the hair that he shaved while undergoing chemotherapy and he has appeared vigorous, returning to his full schedule of activities, including marathon television appearances.

He has assured Venezuelans that he is in fine shape to gain what would be his third re-election in Oct. 7 elections against opposition candidate Henrique Capriles.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/21/2653104/venezuela-president-confirms-faces.html#storylink=cpy