Michael Jackson has been diagnosed with skin cancer, according to reports.

Doctors are understood to have identified spots of skin cancer on the singer’s upper body and pre-cancerous cells on his face during a recent medical examination.

But the diagnosis will not affect Jackson’s planned comeback this summer, according to the Sun newspaper.

'Full recovery'

Doctors have apparently assured the singer, who is often pictured wearing a surgical mask, that the disease is treatable and he will make a full recovery.

Close aides to the star have also insisted that his summer shows will go ahead.

“Michael is really looking forward to his concerts and is determined to wow his fans at each and every gig,” a source said.

“He said he’s insisted that any treatment must fit around the concerts, and the show will go on.”

Jackson is due to play 50 concerts at London’s O2 Arena, starting on July 8th. He is currently in rehearsals in Los Angeles.

'Ill health claims'

The King of Pop is said to have been told about the disease last month.

On April 22 he was pictured at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, a specialist facility which treats such illnesses.

Jackson will be treated for the disease by Cambridge-educated Dr Ralph Masse, the Sun claims.

The singer has faced persistent media reports in recent months which have claimed he is ill health.

But organisers of Jackson’s comeback gigs have already assured ticket holders that the star has passed a full medical.

Jackson, now 50, has not performed a full concert since he was cleared of child molestation charges in 2005.

His last full tour, entitled HIStory, took place in 1996 and '97.

Michael Jackson - This Is It