WASHINGTON — Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who underwent cancer surgery last month, was missing from the bench on Monday for the Supreme Court’s first arguments since the court returned from its four-week holiday break.

Justice Ginsburg has suffered a number of health setbacks over the years but has never before missed an argument in her 25 years on the court.

Kathleen Arberg, a court spokeswoman, said Justice Ginsburg was working from home.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. announced his colleague’s absence at the start of Monday’s session, saying that “Justice Ginsburg is unable to be present today.” He added that she would take part in the court’s consideration of the day’s two cases based on the briefs submitted by the parties and transcripts of the arguments.

Surgeons removed two nodules from Justice Ginsburg’s left lung on Dec. 21. According to the justice’s thoracic surgeon, Dr. Valerie W. Rusch, the nodules removed during surgery were found to be malignant, Ms. Arberg said at the time.