Boston:  Senator Edward M. Kennedy has a malignant brain tumour. Doctors for the Massachusetts Democrat say tests conducted after Kennedy suffered a seizure this weekend show a tumour in his left parietal lobe.

Preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma, they said.

His treatment will be decided after more tests but the usual course includes combinations of radiation and chemotherapy.

The 76-year-old senator has been hospitalised in Boston since Saturday, when he was airlifted from Cape Cod after a seizure at his home.

His wife and children have been with him each day but have made no public statements.

His doctors said in a statement that he has had no further seizures, is in good spirits and is resting comfortably.