Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner will have surgery for thyroid cancer on January 4, her office announced, dpa reported.
A presidential spokesman said Tuesday she would take leave from her official duties until January 24, while Vice President Amado Boudou acts in her stead.
"There is no metastasis and the conclusion is that the illness is isolated in the thyroid gland," Alfredo Scoccimarro said.
"The illness occurs more frequently in women than in men, and the operation should be simple and free of risk."
The president began her second term on December 10 after being re-elected with more than 54 per cent of the votes.