The metal world was shocked a few weeks ago upon learning that legendary Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson is battling cancer. The band revealed that the vocalist had received seven weeks of radiology and chemotherapy treatment for a cancerous tumor on the back of his tongue.

Now, Iron Maiden's manager Rod Smallwood has issued a lengthy update on Dickinson's condition, disclosing that the singer has experienced a "long period of considerable pain and discomfort," but also revealing that the "prognosis continues to be extremely good and everyone is optimistic for a full recovery."

Read Rod Smallwood's full statement via Iron Maiden's Facebook page below:

Bruce has asked me to thank everyone for their tremendous support and kind wishes. He has been extremely touched and encouraged by the genuine and affectionate response from our global family of Maiden fans. Radiology is cumulative and continues to build in the body for around three weeks after treatment, so even though Bruce’s seven week course is completed, he’s had a long period of considerable pain and discomfort. He is happily now starting to recuperate and the pain will continue to abate and the swelling to reduce for the next couple of months at which time he will be able take an MRI scan. It is not until then that we will have full confirmation that the cancer has been completely destroyed. However prognosis continues to be extremely good and everyone is optimistic for a full recovery. Following the scan, we will officially update you on this website at the appropriate time, probably in late May. After that, it will take a few more months for Bruce to get back to full fitness. Naturally the rest of the band are totally supportive and Maiden’s plans will be determined by Bruce’s progress. Please continue your positive thoughts. They are very much appreciated.

We continue to send our best wishes to Bruce Dickinson for a speedy and full recovery. Check back as we get additional updates on the metal legend's condition.

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