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Gov. Gary Herbert was recovering at home following an out-patient surgical procedure for basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, his office said Thursday.

The governor had the growth on his forehead removed Wednesday. His office said the treatment would not disrupt his official duties, apart from small changes to his public appearance schedule.

"The prognosis is for a complete recovery," said Herbert's spokeswoman, Ally Isom. "It's a routine procedure, so there's nothing alarming about it and the governor thinks it is a minor procedure."

Isom said the governor wanted to return to the office Thursday, but was encouraged to stay home.

Basal cell carcinomas are abnormal growth or lesions on the skin, generally caused by long-term sun exposure. There are nearly 3 million cases of basal cell carcinoma diagnosed each year. It is highly treatable, especially if it is caught early.