SARAH FERGUSON IN 'GOOD SPIRITS' AFTER SHOCK NEW CANCER DIAGNOSIS

SARAH Ferguson was in "good spirits" last night despite being diagnosed with the most serious form of skin cancer.

- Robert Kellaway and Helen Barnett

The Duchess of York, 64, has had a malignant melanoma removed just months after being treated for breast cancer. The mother-of-two is reported to have had surgery to remove several moles while undergoing breast reconstruction.

The former wife of Prince Andrew, is thought to have received the devastating news of the malignant nature of the melanoma days after Christmas.

She is reported to have spent the last few weeks in Austria after spending time with the Royal Family at Sandringham over Christmas.

Doctors hope the cancer was found early enough that she will not have any further problems. But she will have further tests to determine whether it has spread.

A spokesman for Fergie said: "Following her diagnosis with an early form of breast cancer last summer, Sarah, Duchess of York has now been diagnosed with malignant melanoma.

"Her dermatologist asked that several moles were removed and analysed at the same time as the Duchess was undergoing reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, and one of these has been identified as cancerous. She is undergoing further investigations to ensure this has been caught in the early stages.

"Clearly, another diagnosis so soon after treatment for breast cancer has been distressing but the Duchess remains in good spirits.

"The Duchess wants to thank the entire medical team which has supported her, particularly her dermatologist whose vigilance ensured the illness was detected when it was.