Khloe Kardashian has revealed she has had a “rare” tumour removed from her face following reports and speculation over a covering she has been seen wearing.

The reality star said she initially thought the “small bump” was “something as minor as a zit”, but made the decision to have it biopsied after it failed to go down after seven months.

Dermatologists told her the lump was “incredibly rare for someone my age”, Kardashian wrote on Instagram, and said she needed an “immediate operation”.

She said she wanted to share the details to encourage fans to check their skin, adding that she has a history of melanoma.

The star said she was operated on by Dr Garth Fischer, “one of the best surgeons in Beverly Hills who I knew would take incredible care of my face”.

She continued: “I’m grateful to share that Dr Fischer was able to get everything – all my margins appear clear and now we are on to the healing process. So, here we are… you’ll continue to see my bandages and when I’m allowed, you’ll probably see a scar (and an indention in my cheek from the tumor being removed) but until then I hope you enjoy how fabulous I’m making these face bandages look.”

Khloe, 38, is the younger sister of Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, known for appearing in reality shows Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and now simply The Kardashians, with her famous family. She is also a founder of the Good American “body acceptance” clothing brand.

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Encouraging her 276 million Instagram followers to check their skin, she wrote: “At 19 years old, I had melanoma on my back, and I had a surgery to remove that as well, so I am pre-composed to melanomas. Even those who are not, we should be checking all the time.

“I am someone who wears sunscreen every single day, religiously, so no one is exempt from these things. Please take this seriously and do regular self-exams as well as your annual check-ups.”

Kardashian said she was “so grateful” it was caught early. “I was lucky and all I have is a scar to tell the story with. Most people aren’t as lucky as me and I am forever thankful and grateful.”

The star was examined by dermatologists Tess Mauricio and Daniel Behroozan.

In an interview with E! News, Dr Mauricio said that while Kardashian was not diagnosed with melanoma or any other form of skin cancer this time, “if it was left there, it’s possible”.

She continued: “Khloe has a history of melanoma, so there’s already heightened awareness of risk. Once you’ve had skin cancer, your risk for developing future ones increases.

“For patients like her, surveillance is key. If you don’t have a history of skin cancer, make it part of your yearly check-up. If you’ve had skin cancer and they’ve done surgery, and they say borders are clear and you’re good, every six months is suggested.”

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