MELBOURNE president Jim Stynes will not have a tumour removed from his stomach as doctors assess other options.

Stynes underwent explorative surgery for the stomach tumour on Thursday, with his doctors deciding the best course of action was not to remove it and to consider other forms of treatment.

The Demons president has been fighting cancer since discovering lumps in his back more than two years ago.

Stynes is in hospital recovering from surgery and is expected to leave some time in the next week.

In a statement released on melbournefc.com.au, Stynes expressed gratitude for the wave of public support.

"It has been a tough couple of months and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support," Stynes said.