Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

AP

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is beginning chemotherapy to treat a cancerous tumour in his larynx, reports The Associated Press.

Silva's doctors say Monday he is also expected to undergo radiation therapy, likely in January.

The tumour was detected over the weekend. A statement from Sao Paulo's Sirio Libanes Hospital says it was caught in its early stages.

Roberto Kalil, one of Silva's doctors, says the chances of a full recovery are excellent and that the 66-year-old Silva is otherwise in good health.

Silva was first elected in 2002. He left office on Jan. 1 of this year with an approval rating of 87 percent.

Brazil underwent rapid economic growth during Silva's time in office. The nation's political power on the international stage also rose.