Placido Domingo's surgeons removed a cancerous polyp on his colon when the renowned singer and music director was in hospital last week.

On Monday, his spokeswoman Nancy Seltzer said the malignancy was localized and Domingo is expected to make a full recovery.

Domingo, 69, was released Sunday after surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and has been ordered to rest for six weeks.

The operation was laparoscopic, a minimally invasive procedure in which a small incision is made in the abdomen, Seltzer said.

Domingo's return to the stage depends on how fast he heals, she said.

The Spanish-born tenor has embarked on a world tour as the lead in Simon Boccanegra, a baritone role he's long said he wanted to sing. Domingo was performing in Tokyo last week when he suffered abdominal pain.

He'll miss some scheduled performances in Zurich and London, but is expected to return to the role April 16 with a performance at Milan's Teatro alla Scala.

The world-famous tenor is known for setting a breakneck pace, which includes roles as general director of both the Los Angeles Opera and the Washington National Opera.

With files from The Associated Press