Peter Tork, a former member of The Monkees, is battling a rare form of cancer in his head and neck, he has announced. The cancer, known as adenoid cystic carcinoma, was found on the lower region of Tork’s tongue.

Peter Tork’s Cancer Battle

“It’s a bad news, good news situation,” Tork said in a statement released this week. “It’s so rare a combination that there isn’t a lot of experience among the medical community about this particular combination. On the other hand, the type of cancer it is, never mind the location, is somewhat well known, and the prognosis, I’m told, is good.”

Tork had surgery this past Wednesday and is now set to undergo radiation treatment. Representatives for the singer indicate the cancer hasn’t spread past the initial site, as far as doctors know from biopsies already conducted.

Peter Tork in The Monkees

Peter Tork was an original member of The Monkees when the band formed as part of the 1966 TV show of the same name. Along with Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Michael Nesmith, Tork became a familiar face both on-screen and on the stage. He has returned together with Dolenz and Jones for several reunion tours over the years.

These days, Tork performs primarily as a solo artist as well as with a band called Shoe Suede Blues. He also writes an advice column at a Web site called The Daily Panic.

As of now, Peter Tork is planning to head out on tour with Shoe Suede Blues by this summer.