President of Panama has been diagnosed with a rare blood condition

Laurentino Cortizo, the president of Panama, announced on Monday that he's been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare blood disorder, and that he will seek a second medical assessment and opinion. 

As per the American Cancer Society, Myelodysplastic syndrome is a disease that affects the body's ability to create healthy blood cells in the bone marrow.

Despite his diagnosis, the 69-year-old claimed his physicians thought he was in "great general condition." According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, myelodysplastic syndrome treatments might range from blood transfusions to chemotherapy or stem cell transplants.

Cortizo said that his prognosis was "moderate-risk." He also stated that he was "feeling healthy and in good spirits," and that he would carry on with his day-to-day duties as president. After routine blood work in May revealed a reduction in his hemoglobin & white blood cell count, doctors advised a bone marrow biopsy. He stated he received the diagnosis on June 16.

He added that after presenting his annual state of the union speech at Panama's National Assembly, he would seek a second opinion from doctors in Houston, Texas. 

According to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, myelodysplastic syndrome treatments might range from blood transfusions to chemotherapy or stem cell transplants. Cortizo did not say whether he would be treated.

On July 1, he is scheduled for a second opinion from doctors in Houston, Texas, after delivering Panama's annual state of the union address.