Controversial radio host Stan Zemanek has undergone radical surgery to have a malignant brain tumour removed, news that has left the entertainment industry shocked. "It seemed like the kind of thing that could never happen to Stan," said one long-time colleague. "I mean, I never imagined for a moment that he had a brain."

Now back at work after months off, Zemanek's improvement has been gradual, and he still finds it difficult to reach more than one or two uninformed opinions per day. Just reading a page of the newspaper can take many hours, a situation he describes as "an improvement." Not afraid to try unorthodox treatment, the star has been subjecting the cancer to daily blasts of vitriolic abuse on top of his chemotherapy, suggesting in the strongest terms that it go into remission, and if the opportunity arises, "give itself an uppercut".

Little is known about how Zemanek came to be so ill. Doctors say the tumour started in a part of the brain that normally processes information about juvenile offenders, and spread from there. "Based on symptoms that include mood swings, irritability, irrational thinking and excessive bile production," said the host's surgeon, "it seems to have been present since birth". It is also possible that exposure to a toxic substance could have sparked the cancer's growth, and as a precaution, Zemanek will no longer be seated near Jeannie Little on Beauty and the Beast. Others blame 2UE, pointing to the station's claim that it is "radio active".

While shaken by the experience, the late-night host is doing his best to remain philosophical. "If anything, this experience has made me stop and consider what I really value in my life," he said. "The answer? Wizard Home Loans - their competitive rates and great customer service have given me a new lease on life."

It is understood that 2UE are planning to offer the excised tumour its own late-night talk slot.