The family of acclaimed actor Val Kilmer is allegedly concerned about his health, and believes he may be ignoring a tumor because of his faith.
Kilmer is a devout Christian Scientist - a faith founded in the 19th century that teaches that health problems can be remedied through prayer.
The actor has been spotted with scarves and sweaters wrapped around his neck in recent weeks, feulling rumours of illness. On Saturday, his publicist, Liz Rosenberg, confirmed to the Associated Press that he had undergone testing for a possible tumor.
Kilmer shot down that report in his own statement published the same day.
"Thank you for all your sweet support," he wrote on Facebook. "But I have not had a tumor, or tumor operations, or any operation. I had a complication where the best way to receive care was to stay under the watchful eye of the (UCLA) ICU.
"Friends have assisted who know my spiritual convictions and have been most sensitive and kind for the extra effort in making sure there's minimum gossip and silly talk.
"I am praying for a speedy return to the boards as they say. God bless you all and please don't worry. Love and deep affection, Val."
Sources told TMZ that the 55-year-old has a throat tumor that he discovered this summer. Allegedly, the growth impacted his speech and caused his neck to swell.
The anonymous family members reported that Kilmer relied on prayer and shunned medical treatment until he began coughing up blood last Monday.
Rosenberg said physicians were "encouraged by [Kilmer's] progress," and hopeful that the actor would make a full recovery.
