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Penguins' Maatta to undergo surgery to remove tumor, expected to make full recovery

Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Monday that defenseman Olli Maatta will undergo surgery next week to remove a tumor from his neck that may contain a form of low-grade thyroid cancer.

The 20-year-old Maatta is expected to make a full recovery after four weeks, and has been cleared to play up until the surgery takes place. 

From team physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas via the Penguins' official website

Olli will have surgery to remove the tumor. Even if it is found to be cancerous, we do not expect that he will need radiation or chemotherapy, and we anticipate a complete recovery. In all likelihood, Olli will go on to live a healthy life and this should not affect his ability to play hockey long-term.

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