BATON ROUGE, La. (KLFY) – LSU’s live tiger mascot, Mike VI, has been diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

According to a press release from the University, Mike’s veterinarian, David Baker, DVM, Ph.D., noticed swelling on the right side of Mike’s face.

On Thursday, May 12, Mike was taken to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine for a physical exam and diagnostic tests.

A tumor was found in his face near his nose and a biopsy led to the diagnosis of spindle cell sarcoma – an extremely rare form of cancer.

According to the release, this type of cancer is unlikely to spread to other areas of his body.

Dr. Baker says Mike’s treatment plan will consist of a new form of radiation therapy called “Stereotactic radiotherapy,” or SRT.

It is estimated that without treatment Mike VI could live 1-2 months, but treatment could extended that to 1-2 years.

Currently, Mike’s attitude and demeanor are unchanged, and he does not appear to be in pain.

To get updates on Mike’s condition, please go to www.lsu.edu/miketiger or visit his social media pages (facebook.com/MikeTigerVI and @MikeTigerVI).