Kings coach George Karl treated for skin cancer

Kings coach George Karl said he was treated for squamous cell carcinoma on the left side of his neck Thursday at UC Davis Medical Center.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer that develops in the thin, flat squamous cells that make up the outer layer of the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic, and is usually not considered life threatening.

“It was the size of a nickel,” said Karl, who missed Thursday’s practice but is expected to be on the bench for Friday’s game against Orlando. “I just have to be careful for a week to 10 days.”

The Kings will be without DeMarcus Cousins for Friday’s game after he was suspended for one game for “conduct detrimental to the team.”

Karl has had two previous bouts with cancer. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had surgery in 2005. In 2010, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and treated with radiation therapy.

When asked after Wednesday’s loss 120-111 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers if the procedure was serious, Karl said “no” twice.

“Coach told me the other day,” Kings general manager Vlade Divac said Wednesday. “I told him to take as much time as he needs.”

This story was originally published March 10, 2016 at 2:04 PM with the headline "Kings coach George Karl treated for skin cancer."