Dick Vitale Diagnosis: His Vocal Cord Cancer Revealed

In 2021, Vitale, 84, was treated for melanoma after receiving a lymphoma diagnosis.

In a statement, Vitale said, “I’m sorry to share that I received difficult news from Dr. Zeitels about my throat today. My vocal cord cancer was discovered by tests on the tissues they removed, and the recommended course of treatment is 6 weeks of radiotherapy. It has an incredibly high percentage of cure, according to Dr. Z, and the optimum treatment is radiation rather than surgery.

When the college basketball season begins in the fall, Vitale, who has worked for ESPN since the network’s inception in 1979, said he will “fight like hell” to be ready to return to the network.

This is “entirely possible,” according to his doctor, Vitale wrote, adding that he is “so touched” by the encouragement from his followers.

When the ESPYs were taking place at this time last year, Vitale was on stage pleading for support in the fight against cancer. “So many of our loved ones are affected by this dreadful disease, and it has already knocked on my door three times. Additional research will continue to aid in this battle.

Vitale concluded his speech by thanking his family and the ESPN crew for their “incredible support” and praising the outstanding group of medical professionals whose dedication has made such a tremendous difference in so many people’s lives.

A few weeks ago, Vitale made an announcement in which he said that his doctor had informed him that “past issues on my vocal cords” had returned. On July 11, he underwent the first of two surgeries he needed, and for the next six to eight weeks, he was completely prohibited from using his voice.

On June 22, he commented, “That aspect is very annoying as I feel stuck not being able to express myself. The good news is that Dr. Z is confident I’ll be ready for my 45th year on @espn.

In a piece for ESPN’s Front Row published in October 2021, the broadcaster and former basketball coach revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer.

Weeks after disclosing his melanoma diagnosis, he said he had been given a lymphoma, or cancer of the lymphatic system, diagnosis. Vitale tweeted in August 2022 that his doctor had given him the all-clear for cancer.

A poignant speech was given by Vitale after receiving the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2017 ESPYs, which were hosted by actor Jon Hamm.

No kid or child should undergo chemotherapy or radiation, Vitale said. “[Cancer] arrives after all, and it doesn’t discriminate… No of your color or religion, it will cause you to fall on your knees. Friends, there is only one way to defeat cancer: by raising money to give oncologists a chance.

“Keep chasing your dreams, keep chasing your goals,” Vitale said, adding, “Just remember: perseverance, plus passion, plus pride, equals ‘win’ in the game of life.”