Supertenor had pancreas lump removed in New York - Luciano Pavarotti is making a strong recovery after an operation to remove a tumour from his pancreas, his manager said on Friday.

His doctors found the tumour last week while the 70-year-old semi-retired supertenor was preparing to leave New York for London, Terri Robson said .

"Fortunately they were able to completely remove the mass," Robson said .

She said his doctors were "encouraged by his physical and emotional resilience". The operation is believed to have taken place in an unspecified New York hospital earlier this week .

Pavarotti is believed to be recovering at the hospital.

The legendary singer has suffered bad back pain this year and had to cancel a number of concerts in his open-ended farewell tour around the world, including Sarajevo and Vienna in April .

Pavarotti's last appearance was at the Turin Winter Olympics when he sang his signature 'Nessun Dorma' aria at the opening ceremony .

In retirement he intends to dedicate his time to teaching and opera direction .

He may still occasionally perform with his Three Tenors' partners Jose Carreras and Domingo Placido on special occasions.