An Ecuadorian government source says Guillermo Lasso has skin cancer

(CNN Spanish) — Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso confirmed to members of his cabinet that he had been diagnosed with melanoma days after surgery on an eyelid wound. With knowledge of the health of the Head of State.

Lasso shared the news in a chat with his ministers. Access to these messages CNN exchanged with his cabinet:

“On July 29 this year, I underwent surgery for a lesion on my right eyelid, suspected to be basal cell carcinoma (lesion curable after excision). However, the pathologist’s detailed response revealed that it was a melanoma. This type of injury, according to local doctors, requires the most well-organized interdisciplinary management, examination and treatment strategies in other international reference hospitals,” wrote the President.

Lasso added that he will travel to Houston on Tuesday, August 16 to conduct “relevant studies.”

“I want to inform you that by law it depends on the armed forces. The security of the President in Ecuador and abroad and the facility of travel by presidential aircraft are specified within their respective codes. I have waived that right or provision; The trip is for personal reasons and I will do it my own way. “I cannot avoid the establishment of minimum security personnel,” the President said in his communique.

CNN has requested more details on President Lasso’s medical condition over the weekend and this Monday from the Ministry of Communications, but we have not yet received a response.

According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) begin to grow out of control.

The President’s Office of Communications announced this Saturday that the President will travel to Houston from August 16 to 21 to conduct additional tests on eyelid surgery performed in Ecuador.

This is the second time Lasso has visited the US for medical treatment.

In June last year, he underwent a moderately complicated spine surgery to remove a cyst in his pelvis caused by a medical malpractice years ago.

After the surgery, the Ecuadorian president stopped using a cane and, according to the government, his mobility has improved.