Screen is Black and Computer is Hot

I have an A1226. It has worked flawlessly since Christmas 2008. The computer boots up, it - bongs to life, but the screen is black. I tried the command-option-r-p restart, but it did not help. I have not connected it to an external screen. Also, the computer is getting really hot, so I removed the battery and finally unplugged it.

I have read that the screen card goes on these units? Is that difficult to replace, how much, and would that be your recommendation?

thank you