March 20 (Bloomberg) -- University of North Carolina football coach Butch Davis started chemotherapy treatments after a cancerous growth was removed from his mouth.

Davis, 55, had the growth removed from his gum by his dentist and pathology tests revealed it to be non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to a statement from the school.

Further tests found no evidence the cancer has spread to other areas of Davis's body, and he decided to start treatments as a precaution. The growth was discovered four weeks ago during a routine dental checkup, the school said.

``Like most people faced with cancer, the diagnosis came as a complete shock,'' Davis said in the statement. ``However, the doctors have been thorough and have recommended a course of chemotherapy. As a result of all of the other tests, my general health has never been better.''

Davis had his first chemotherapy last week at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio during North Carolina's spring break. Davis coached the National Football League's Cleveland Browns from 2001-2004. He will continue treatments at the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill, while preparing for the 2007 season.

``My family, my health and coaching this football team are my top priorities,'' Davis said. ``I would appreciate and expect the focus to remain on the North Carolina football team.''

The Tar Heels had a 3-9 record last season, winning their final two games. The team opens the 2007 season on Sept. 1 against James Madison University.

Davis was hired at North Carolina in November 2006, taking over a program that last had a winning season in 2001. He had a 51-20 record at the University of Miami from 1995-2000, leading the Hurricanes to three conference titles and four bowl victories. Davis then went 24-36 with the Browns before being fired in 2004 with the team in last place.

To contact the reporter on this story: Erik Matuszewski in New York at matuszewski@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: March 20, 2007 19:15 EDT