oy Williams' tumor was benign (not cancerous), according to North Carolina

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Last week, Roy Williams underwent a surgery that lasted more than three hours (AP photo).

If tumor in left kidney is benign, Williams won't need a second surgery

The tumor removed from North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams' right kidney last week was benign (noncancerous), the school announced Tuesday.

“Number one, I want to express how overwhelmed I have been by the outpouring of support, concern and good wishes by everyone, especially members of the Carolina Basketball family,” Williams said in a school release. “I’ve just been blown away by the calls, cards, prayers and well-wishes from people all around the world, in and out of the basketball community. My family and I are thankful to all that have expressed your concerns.

“I also want to thank the entire medical team and staff at UNC Health Care. The treatment and care were exceptional."

The removed tumor was an oncocytoma (pronounced ON-ko-sigh-TOE-muh), which is often indistinguishable from kidney cancer on X-rays and diagnosed postoperatively. Unlike cancerous tumors, oncocytomas don't spread.

Williams also has a tumor on his left kidney. Because the tumor on his right kidney was an oncocytoma, his doctors believe there's a good chance the tumor on his left kidney is the same. They plan to perform a biopsy of the left kidney tumor next week, and another surgery would not be needed if it is also an oncocytoma. If it's not an oncocytoma, Williams could have a second surgery next month.

“We are pleased with how well Coach Williams is doing," Dr. Eric Wallen, who led the surgical team, said in the release. "If everything continues to progress as expected, he should be back to his normal activities soon."

North Carolina's Late Night with Roy event is scheduled for Oct. 12, the same day as the Fast Break Against Cancer breakfast that Williams has helped organize since 2005. Preseason practice officially begins Oct. 13, and the Tar Heels face Shaw in an exhibition on Oct. 26.

The regular season starts with a home game against Gardner-Webb on Nov. 9.

"As someone who spends every day stressing the value and importance of a team, I can confidently say that UNC Health Care has an extraordinary team," Williams said. "I can’t thank them enough.

“There is still work to be done, but we will continue to deal with that over the next few weeks and get through it with the help of first-rate medical care and the continued support of my family and our extended family and friends through Carolina Basketball.”