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Key forward Jarryd Roughead was admitted to hospital on Wednesday to have the melanoma removed from his lip.
The procedure was ordered after test results showed a lesion on Roughead's lip was positive for melanoma,
A statement released on the Hawks' website said Roughead would be absent from Friday night's crunch game against Collingwood - with a return date unknown.
Hawthorn football operations manager Chris Fagan said the popular 28-year-old was positive despite the scare.
"(Roughead) sent a photo around of himself last night with a bit of a thumbs up," Fagan told Fairfax Media.
"Obviously when these things happen it's a bit worrying, but he handled the whole thing well and has had good support around him from family, friends and the footy club."
Roughead has been in good form in 2015, averaging two goals and 18.5 disposals a match.