FBI director-designate has prostate cancer

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Robert Mueller, the federal prosecutor chosen by President Bush to head the FBI, has very localized, treatable prostate cancer, according to papers submitted to the Senate in support of his nomination.

Doctors said they expect Mueller to have a full recovery.

Mueller was evaluated at a cancer center at the University of California in San Francisco on April 17, according to a letter from Dr. Peter Carroll, head of the urology department.

The letter was made available Friday by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

``Mr. Mueller had been diagnosed with a very localized prostate cancer,'' said Carroll. ``This diagnoses was confirmed here.''

Extensive imaging and a prostate biopsy showed that Mueller has a ``localized, small volume prostate cancer.''

``He is an excellent candidate for a variety of different treatment options and has a very, very high likelihood of cure with any,'' said Carroll.

Carroll said he did not believe that Mueller's diagnosis and treatment ``will, in any way, impact on his ability to function and carry on his responsibilities normally.''

``Treatment can be delivered in a very limited period of time and early and full recovery is expected,'' said Carroll.

Mueller, a 56-year-old Republican and decorated Vietnam veteran, was chosen by Bush to fill a 10-year term as the sixth full-time director of the FBI. He is the U.S. attorney in San Francisco.