Venezuela's Hugo Chavez announces of new cancer operation.

Venezuelan leader only got back on Friday from his last treatment.

In a TV address which Mr Chavez said it had been "absolutely essential" that he will received further treatment, adding that more malignant cells were being found.

The 58-year-old has received three cancer operations within Cuba since mid-2011, but few details have been released.

Speaking from this Miraflores presidential palace, Mr Chavez said that in case his health failed and a new election must be held, his supporters should vote for Vice-President Nicolas Maduro.

Correspondents says that this is the first time the president has named a successor.

"Unfortunately, during these exhaustive examinations they found some malignant cells inside the same area. It is utterly necessary, absolutely essential, that I have to undergo a new operative intervention, " he explained.

"With God's will, like on the previous occasions, we will emerge from this victorious. "

During his latest trip to Cuba, Mr Chavez was reportedly receiving "hyperbaric oxygenation" treatment, which can ease ailments caused by radiation treatment.

President Chavez who has spent many months having surgery and treatment with Cuba since his examination in July 2011.

last May, he declared himself free from cancer.

However, he has never granted much detail about any type of cancer he has, or his reason to chose to become treated in Cuba as an alternative to Venezuela, which has led the opposition to involve greater transparency.

Mr Chavez's recent trip to Cuba follows his re-election in October for a third term.