Placido Domingo has cancer surgery

(AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU)

Renowned opera singer Placido Domingo has had surgery to remove a malignant cancer tumor in his colon, but expects to perform again as early as next month, a spokeswoman said Monday.

The surgery on Sunday in New York was a success and Domingo, 69, is expected to recover, following six weeks of rest, spokeswoman Nancy Seltzer said.

The tenor was "discharged... from Mount Sinai hospital in New York city after undergoing laparoscopic surgery to successfully remove a localized malignant polyp in his colon," Seltzer said in a statement.

"His exact return to his performing engagements remains subject to how fast he can heal and regain his characteristic strength," she said.

"It is, however, anticipated that his first singing performance will be in 'Simon Boccanegra' at La Scala on April 16."