Gov. Kathy Hochul underwent a procedure Friday morning to remove a small cancerous growth on her nose recently discovered by her doctor during a routine checkup.

Hochul, 66, said on Thursday the doctor identified a "tiny speck" as basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. 

"You can’t even see it, but in excess of precaution – and I encourage everyone to make sure they do get regular checkups and follow through – I’m going to have a small removal procedure," Hochul said Thursday.

She received anesthesia locally and returned to work late Friday morning.

"I would like to thank the countless New Yorkers who sent messages and prayers and hopes for a speedy recovery," Hochul said in a video she posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I'm so grateful to hear from so many of you."

She noted that each year, nearly 6 million Americans are treated for skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the importance of early detection for conditions like hers. 

"Keep an eye on you body. Get your checkups and make sure your family does the same because there's nothing like early detection to make sure it doesn't happen to you."