Skin Cancer Definition, Treatment & Symptoms: Actor Hugh Jackman Gets Basal Cell Removed From his Nose; Shares Photos on Instagram

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Feb 09, 2016 06:52 AM EST

Turns out, Wolverine's uncanny ability to heal himself does not work against skin cancer. The Australian actor and Hollywood A-lister Hugh Jackman needed some help from his doctors to treat the basal cell carcinoma on his nose, which is one of the more common types of skin cancer.

A photo posted by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Feb 8, 2016 at 7:57am PST

The 47-year-old actor also asked his fans and followers on the social media to be more cautious and to use sunscreens in order to avoid getting the same condition. He also advised people to get regular screenings for skin cancer.

"An example of what happens when you don't wear sunscreen. Basal Cell. The mildest form of cancer but serious, nonetheless. PLEASE USE SUNSCREEN and get regular check-ups," Jackman captioned his Instagram post.

According to a report from The Guardian, this was already the fifth time the actor had to undergo surgery to remove skin cancer since 2013. It was Jackman's wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, who insisted that he get screened for a mole on his nose back in 2013. And, his wife knew better in that instance.

"Deb said to get the mark on my nose checked. Boy, was she right! I had a Basal Cell Carcinoma. Please don't be foolish like me. Get yourself checked. And USE sunscreen!!!" he posted on Instagram at the time.

"I'm realistic about the future and it's more than likely that I'll have at least one more but probably many more, which is not uncommon for an Aussie particularly from English stock growing up in Australia where I don't remember ever being told to put sunscreen on," Jackman also said back in 2014 speaking to reporters.

The "Les Misérables" actor also shared that he now goes to his doctors for skin cancer screening every three months.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are abnormal, uncontrolled growths or lesions found in the basal cells of the skin. Basal cells are present in the deepest layer of the epidermis or the outermost layer of the skin. BCCs resembles what look like red patches or scars.

BCC is the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. Fortunately, this type of skin cancer does not spread outside of the original tumor. Some of the symptoms to watch out for include bleeding open sore, a reddish patch or irritated area, a shiny bump, a pink growth and a scar-like area.

There are various forms of treatment available for this type of skin cancer like cryosurgery wherein tumor tissues are destroyed by freezing, laser surgery, topical or oral medications.

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