Julian Lennon has had to have emergency skin cancer surgery.

The 61-year-old singer – who is the son of late Beatles legend John Lennon and his first wife Cynthia – took to social media to reveal to his fans that he had been diagnosed with melanoma just before heading on a press tour and had to "urgently" head back from it to undergo an operation.

He wrote on Instagram: "Well, here’s how this goes…

"Before I flew to New York from Los Angeles, for 'Good Morning America', Sirius XM, iHeart Radio and My Fotografiska Q+A Book Signing Event, I went to see, as I usually do when in LA, My lovely Dermatologist @drtessmauricio - Dr Tess, was the one who caught and operated on My Mole/Skin Cancer, a few years ago, and literally saved My Life…

"Anyway, after having just finished GMA, I received a message from Dr Tess, with some urgency to return to Los Angeles, as I had 2 locations on My Skin, Shoulder and Forearm, one of which was melanoma, that should be operated on ASAP!

"So instead of going home to put my Christmas tree up and happily finish the year off, relaxing at home, I flew directly back to Los Angeles, after all my work in New York was done, and went directly from LAX airport, to surgery, with a surgeon recommended by Dr Tess, @timneavin – who spent several hours cleaning up and operating on me, with large margins, in the hope that we have, at the end of the day – clear margins, which would mean being free from cancer…"

The Too Late For Goodbyes singer revealed that the surgery "was a success" but is still awaiting the results of the biopsy, and they may come after the holiday season has passed.

He said: "The operation was a success, but we have yet to have the results of the biopsy, which we may not receive before Christmas…

"First of all, I’m very thankful to Dr Tess and Dr Tim, for being able to coordinate this surgery at such short notice, but for once again, hopefully Saving My Life…

"One can never be too confident in circumstances like this, but we all believe that Dr Tim has saved the day… So finger’s crossed for now.

"Obviously good news, would be the best Christmas present ever… Which I’m hopeful for…"

Lennon concluded his post by urging his followers to get themselves checked out because it could be "life-saving" and reminded them that it doesn't take long to do.

He said: "But I just want to say, this is also a timely reminder to all, to please get yourself checked out by your doctor… It only takes a short while to do so, and you may just be saving your own life, at the end of the day… so please, for the sake of yourself, your family and friends just go to your Dr and do what must be done…

"I love life and I want to live for a very long time and this is one way, and a choice, that could determine your future…"

"I wish you all happy holidaze and a healthy long life… Love to all."