BOSTON (AP) -- Sen. Edward M. Kennedy walked out of the hospital on Wednesday after being diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, giving a thumbs up to well-wishers and kisses to his relatives before driving off for his Cape Cod home.

A square bandage at the back of his head marked the spot where doctors performed a biopsy Monday that led them to conclude the 76-year-old Massachusetts Democrat suffered from a malignant glioma. Experts say such tumors are almost always fatal.

Kennedy's dogs greeted him at the hospital door. Hospital workers and well-wishers greeted Kennedy with applause, which he acknowledged with a thumbs up. Before he and his wife, Vicki, got into a dark Chevrolet Suburban, he kissed his daughter, Kara, and his niece Caroline Kennedy.

Doctors announced Kennedy "has recovered remarkably quickly" from the brain biopsy. They said he will recuperate at his home over the Memorial Day weekend while the doctors await further test results and determine his treatment plan.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

BOSTON (AP) - Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has been released from the hospital and is heading to his Cape Cod home after being diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor.

The 76-year-old Kennedy waved to a crowd of well-wishers and gave a thumbs-up as he walked out of Massachusetts General Hospital amid heavy security. His dogs greeted him at the hospital door.

Doctors said Wednesday the Massachusetts Democrat "has recovered remarkably quickly" from a brain biopsy conducted Monday. Kennedy will recuperate at home while the doctors await further test results and determine his treatment plan.

Kennedy has a malignant glioma in his left parietal lobe. Experts say such tumors are almost always fatal.

© 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.