Concerns about Pavarotti's health have been high ever since doctors found and removed a cancerous mass from his pancreas in New York in July of last year.
The tenor entered the Modena Polyclinic on August 8 with a fever. One week later doctors gave him clearance to return home "when he is ready"; he decided at that time to remain in the hospital to convalesce because, according to his wife, he found the environment there more restful than at home. While he was convalescing at the clinic, physicians ran further tests relating to the possible pancreatic cancer.
