UPDATED: 10:57 p.m.

CLEVELAND -- LeBron James' off-season started with a surgery.

James underwent a procedure Tuesday at the Cleveland Clinic to remove a benign growth along his right jaw line. The five-hour surgery was performed by Dr. Frank Papay to remove the tissue from the parotid gland, which produces saliva.

In a statement, the Cavaliers said the doctors were "pleased with the outcome of the procedure, and at this time, are confident that no further treatment will be needed as LeBron is expected to make a full and complete recovery."

Operations in that region often take such time because the parotid is located in a delicate area of the head that is surrounded by many nerves and blood vessels.

Over the last couple of months fans may have noticed a growth along James' right jaw line. It became more pronounced as the season and playoffs progressed. James was being treated by team doctors it was decided to wait until the end of the season to have the growth removed.

James will spend the night in the hospital, and the team said he is expected to be released "soon."