Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he will undergo more cancer treatment after recovering from surgery to remove a malignant tumor the size of a baseball.

In a phone call to state television Wednesday, Chavez said he expects to have chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

He added that he is now starting a second phase of treatment and expects a third phase "that could be a bit hard."

Chavez had surgery in Cuba June 20 to remove a tumor from his pelvic region. During the phone call, he still did not say what sort of cancer is involved.

Chavez described the tumor as "encapsulated" and said it took about six hours to remove.

The leftist leader recently attended a Catholic mass where supporters and aides prayed for his recovery.

Wednesday, he hinted that his enemies want him to stay sick.

"I have cancer, but not in the way some would want," Chavez said.

In separate remarks on Tuesday, Chavez also said he intends to remain in the presidency and accelerate his drive for socialism in Venezuela.