Cox to have surgery today

Former congressman will have tumor on thymus removed; he plans to resume work in a few weeks.Former Newport Beach Rep. Chris Cox, who now chairs the Securities and Exchange Commission, will have surgery today to remove a thymoma, or a tumor on the thymus gland, a statement from the commission said.

The thymus is located behind the sternum and helps in the development of the body’s immune system.

Cox, 53, is expected to be hospitalized for a few days and get back to work within a few weeks.

The statement did not say whether the tumor is benign, but once it is removed Cox is not expected to need further treatment.

“I look forward to returning to my duties very quickly,” Cox said in the statement.

“I plan to be back in the office in mid February.”

After representing the congressional district that includes Newport Beach for 17 years, Cox took the helm of the Securities and Exchange Commission in August.20060130h5fwm4kf(LA)Chris Cox