LSU Mascot ‘Mike The Tiger’ Battling With Rare Form Of Cancer

'Mike the Tiger', the famous live mascot of Louisiana State University (LSU) has been diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, the LSU management announced on Monday.

In a statement issued by LSU, the official veterinarian and the student caretakers noticed that the tiger's face is swelling. This was followed by some diagnostic tests to assess the tiger's health condition. The findings revealed that Mike has a tumor in his face. It was then biopsy analysis was conducted that led to the diagnosis of cancer. The type of cancer is rare, and there are low chances for it to spread in other parts of his body.

Attending veterinarian Dr. David Baker said Mike does not appear to be in pain despite his condition. He added in an interview: "He's still tearing bushes up in his yard, playing with his ball."

The treatment plan for Mike will involve a radiation therapy called stereotactic radiotherapy that can deliver focused radiation to the tumor. This means there is less chance to affect the normal tissues. The treatment, however, is not a guarantee that the tiger will be totally healed, but it can help in extending Mike's lifespan. Without treatment, Mike can only live for 1 to 2 months. But with the help of the radiation treatment, his life can extend for up to 2 years.

LSU and Mary Bird Perkins will be working together for Mike's treatment. The two institutions have been working together on research and academic partnership.

Mike has been the mascot of the LSU since 2007, according to Fox Sports. It was about two years ago when it first arrived at LSU and currently lives in an enclosure near the Tiger Stadium. Updates about his condition will be posted on his official Facebook page, officials said.

The previous two tigers of LSU lived for 19 and 20 years, respectively.