Elvis Costello underwent surgery for 'aggressive' cancerous tumor

Elvis Costello underwent surgery to treat an “aggressive” cancerous growth and is now canceling a handful of concerts as he recovers.

The veteran singer, 63, revealed he recently had the medical procedure after learning he had a malignant tumor, telling fans in a statement that his specialist was pleasantly surprised by the results.

“Six weeks ago my specialist called me and said, ‘You should start playing the Lotto.’ He had rarely, if ever, seen such a small but very aggressive cancerous malignancy that could be defeated by a single surgery,” Costello said in a post to his website.

Costello had originally hoped to resume touring this week, but has instead decided to cancel his remaining six shows in Europe as he recuperates.

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He had been scheduled to perform in Manchester, England on Friday night, before making stops in Croatia, Austria, Norway and Sweden within the next two weeks.

“The spirit has been more than willing but I have to now accept that it is going to take longer than I would have wished for me to recover my full strength,” Costello said.

The longtime musician — who is known for hits such as “Oliver’s Army” and “Everyday I Write the Book” — concluded his message by encouraging fans to visit their doctors over any health concerns.

“It may save your life,” he said. “Believe me, it is better than playing roulette."

Costello has released 30 albums in his career, with his first, “My Aim Is True,” coming out in 1977.