Singer Lee Moon-se still has cancerous tissue near his vocal cords following a decision not to remove it all, a choice his doctors respected to allow him to continue singing.

Lee, who underwent treatment for thyroid cancer in 2007, said that as a singer he believes "it is right for him to keep singing until (he) is able" on a local talk show Monday.

Singer Lee Moon-se on talk show "Healing Camp," Monday. (SBS)

"The medical team said that even the most skillful doctor would not be able to completely remove cancerous tissue (around my thyroid) without upsetting my vocal cords," Lee said.

Doctors informed Lee that such a procedure, while reducing his chances of the cancer recurring, would leave him unable to sing professionally.

"(They) said that if I were an ordinary person, they would remove all the cancerous tissue, but were unsure how to treat me since I am singer," Lee said on weekly SBS program "Healing Camp."

"I want to keep singing without restriction until I am able," said Lee, who said that he would reconsider removing the cancerous tissue if his condition worsened.

Lee, 58, was treated for thyroid cancer in 2007 and underwent surgery following a cancer relapse in July 2014.

The singer and television personality is known for his smooth and versatile vocals. His hit ballads include "Old Love" and "Don't You Know."

By Yoon Sarah (sarah356@heraldcorp.com)