The band issued a statement through its Web site saying the tumor was discovered while Gahan underwent medical tests. Gahan has been suffering from gastroenteritis, which already has led to the cancellation or postponement of several stops during the first two weeks of the band’s scheduled European tour.

According to DepecheMode.com:

“On May 12th, lead singer Dave Gahan suffered a severe bout of gastroenteritis, leading to his hospitalization and the cancellation of the Athens concert. While in hospital, further medical tests revealed a low-grade malignant tumour in Dave’s bladder, which has since been successfully removed. At doctors’ orders Dave Gahan must take a break until June 8th, to ensure that he makes a full recovery. The Leipzig show on June 8th will be the first concert following Dave’s recovery.

“Dave Gahan sincerely thanks his fans for their support, understanding and patience. Depeche Mode deeply regret any problems or inconveniences the cancellations and postponements may have caused.”

The band’s scheduled May 30 show at London’s O2 Arena has been postponed and will be rescheduled. DM’s May 31st Pinkpop Festival appearance in Landgraaf has been canceled and the June 2 show at the HSH Nordbank Arena in Hamburg has been moved to July 1.

June 4-5 at Dusseldorf’s LTU Arena will be rescheduled. June 7 in Leipzig has been canceled but the June 8 show in that city will take place as planned. Fans holding tickets for June 7 can exchange tickets for the June 8 show or the June 10 show in Berlin, availability permitting.

Also, July 2 in Bergen, Norway, at the Koengen has been moved to January 28, 2010 at the Vestlandhallen.

For more information, click here for the Depeche Mode Web site.