Actress Maura Tierney to have breast tumour surgery

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Former "ER" star Maura Tierney said on Monday she would undergo surgery to remove a breast tumour, and that doctors had assured her that her condition was "very treatable."

The diagnosis has forced NBC to delay production of her new ensemble family drama "Parenthood," which was scheduled to premiere in the fall.

Tierney, 44, said NBC's announcement last Friday about the delay "has unfortunately caused some confusion and undue alarm" about her health.

"I have discovered a tumour in my breast which requires surgery," Tierney said in her statement.

"I will not know either my exact diagnosis or course of treatment until that surgery is performed. My doctors have all assured me this is a very treatable condition. I'm very optimistic as to the outcome and want to thank everyone who has sent positive thoughts and support. I look forward to going back to work soon."

Tierney is perhaps best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Dr. Abby Lockhart on 10 seasons of the medical drama "ER," which ended its 15-year run in March.

She has appeared on the big screen in such films as "Liar Liar," playing Jim Carrey's wife, and in last year's Tina Fey comedy "Baby Mama."

(Reporting by Dean Goodman; editing by Philip Barbara)