SECRETARY OF DEFENSE RUMSFELD UNDERGOES PROCEDURE AT WALTER REED ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

During his annual physical examination at Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Saturday, March 9, a physician identified a lipoma - a benign growth - on the back of his neck.

In an elective outpatient procedure today, under local anesthesia, Dr. John Casler removed the lipoma. The procedure took about an hour and a half.

MRIs and physical examination indicated it is benign. It was excised completely and was sent to pathology for routine analysis. The report is expected back from pathology within two weeks.

The Secretary returned to his office after the procedure.