‘Dexter’ star battles cancer

by Jenny Aluning on January 14th, 2010 · posted in Television · No Comments

“Dexter” star Michael C. Hall is undergoing treatment for cancer and the disease is in remission, a spokesman said.

“I feel fortunate to have been diagnosed with an imminently treatable and curable condition, and I thank my doctors and nurses for their expertise and care,” Hall, 38, said Wednesday in a statement.

The actor was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. The disease is considered highly treatable with the potential for full recovery. According to the US National Cancer Institute, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is relatively rare. It occurs in about 3 out of 100,000 people.

“Symptoms include the painless enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, or other immune tissue,” a description on the website reads.

“Other symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats.”

Craig Bankey, a spokesman for the actor, said the cancer is in complete remission and Hall’s treatment will continue as planned.

When Hall was diagnosed and the name of the Los Angeles-area health facility where he’s undergone treatment were not released.

Hall plans to attend Sunday’s Golden Globe awards and the upcoming Screen Actors Guild ceremony with his wife, actress Jennifer Carpenter, who plays his sister on the show. Hall is a nominee at both awards shows for his role as Dexter Morgan, a serial killer working as a blood-spatter expert. The show is also up for Best Drama at the Golden Globes.

Bankey said Hall will return to production on the drama’s fifth season later this year.