Dean Michaels

Buffalo Bills legendary quarterback Jim Kelly underwent successful surgery to remove cancer cells from his upper jaw at Erie County Medical Center.

Thom R. Loree, the hospital's clinical director of the Head and Neck Surgery Department, said in a statement that Kelly is now recovering comfortably and could go home if he feels comfortable.

According to the hospital, Kelly underwent a partial maxillectomy to remove a squamous cell carcinoma of the upper gingival caused by chronic irritation at the gum site. Also, Kelly underwent reconstruction with a dental obturator.

"We are hopeful for and anticipate a speedy recovery and successful outcome," the hospital said in a statement.

However, doctors have yet to determine whether Kelly needs to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Kelly, the Bills Hall of Fame quarterback who helped lead them to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s, earlier revealed he had been diagnosed with squamous-cell ceancer in his upper jaw bone.

Kelly said doctors told him his prognosis for recovery was good, based on computed tomography scans of his head. Tests showed cancer had not spread to other parts of his body.

Bills Legend Jim Kelly Undergoes Successful Surgery for mouth-area cancer