Dr Shaun Segal Explains Your Skin Cancer Treatment Options

A skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Many patients immediately begin worrying about surgery, scarring, recovery time, and what the future holds. The good news is that modern skin cancer treatment has advanced significantly, offering highly effective options that can successfully remove cancer while preserving both function and appearance.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, understanding your treatment options is one of the most important steps in feeling confident about your care. Every skin cancer is unique, and the best treatment depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, its size, location, depth, and the patient’s overall health.

With more than 20 years of experience in skin cancer medicine and surgery and 15 years dedicated exclusively to skin cancer surgery, Dr. Shaun Segal has treated thousands of patients across Australia. His expertise in complex skin cancer cases and facial reconstruction allows him to deliver outstanding outcomes while prioritising both cancer removal and cosmetic results.

In this guide, Dr. Shaun Segal explains the most common skin cancer treatment options and what patients can expect throughout the treatment journey.

Understanding Skin Cancer Before Choosing Treatment

Before deciding on a treatment plan, it is important to understand the type of skin cancer involved.

The three most common forms of skin cancer include:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It generally grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can become larger and damage surrounding tissue.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma can be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma. Early treatment is important because some SCCs have the potential to spread beyond the skin.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It develops in pigment-producing cells and can spread rapidly if not detected and treated early.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed through clinical examination and biopsy, the most suitable treatment option can be determined.

Surgical Excision

For many skin cancers, surgical excision remains the gold standard treatment.

During this procedure, the cancerous lesion is removed along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated. The tissue is then sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, surgical excision offers several advantages:

• High cure rates
• Complete pathological assessment
• Effective treatment for most skin cancers
• Long-term cancer control

The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic and allows patients to return home on the same day.

Reconstructive Surgery After Skin Cancer Removal

Some skin cancers occur in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, or cheeks. In these situations, reconstruction becomes an important part of treatment.

Dr. Shaun Segal is highly skilled in complex repairs and reconstruction of large defects on the nose, eyelids, and other challenging facial regions.

Reconstructive techniques may include:

Direct Closure

The wound edges are carefully brought together and stitched closed.

Skin Flaps

Nearby healthy skin is repositioned to cover the surgical site while maintaining blood supply.

Skin Grafts

Skin is taken from another area of the body and transplanted to the treatment site.

The goal is not only to remove the cancer but also to achieve the best possible cosmetic and functional result.

Curettage and Electrodessication

This treatment may be suitable for certain small, low-risk skin cancers.

The procedure involves:

1. Scraping away the cancerous tissue.
2. Using electrical current to destroy remaining abnormal cells.
3. Repeating the process if necessary.

While this option can be effective for selected lesions, it is generally not recommended for larger or high-risk cancers.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells.

This treatment is often used for:

• Precancerous lesions
• Actinic keratoses
• Certain superficial skin cancers

The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and usually performed during a routine consultation.

Patients may experience temporary redness, blistering, or mild discomfort as the area heals.

Topical Treatments

Some early-stage skin cancers and precancerous lesions may be treated using prescription creams.

These medications work by stimulating the immune system or directly destroying abnormal cells.

Common topical therapies include:

• Imiquimod cream
• Fluorouracil cream

These treatments are generally suitable for superficial skin cancers and require close medical supervision.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, topical therapies are not appropriate for all skin cancers, particularly those that extend deeper into the skin.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy is another non-surgical treatment option used for selected superficial skin cancers and sun-damaged skin.

The treatment involves:

1. Applying a light-sensitive medication to the skin.
2. Allowing the medication to absorb into abnormal cells.
3. Activating the medication using a specialised light source.

This process destroys damaged cells while minimising harm to surrounding healthy tissue.

Photodynamic therapy can be particularly beneficial for patients with widespread sun damage or multiple precancerous lesions.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery is a highly specialised procedure that provides the highest cure rates for certain skin cancers.

During the procedure:

• Thin layers of skin are removed one at a time.
• Each layer is immediately examined under a microscope.
• Additional tissue is removed only if cancer cells remain.

This precise approach helps preserve healthy tissue while ensuring complete cancer removal.

Mohs surgery is often recommended for:

• Recurrent skin cancers
• Large lesions
• High-risk tumours
• Skin cancers on the face

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy may be considered when surgery is not suitable or when additional treatment is required after surgery.

It uses targeted radiation beams to destroy cancer cells and may be recommended for:

• Elderly patients
• Individuals unable to undergo surgery
• Certain advanced skin cancers

Treatment usually involves multiple sessions over several weeks.

While radiation can be highly effective, it is not typically the first choice for most skin cancers when surgery is possible.

Treatment for Advanced Skin Cancer

In rare cases, skin cancer may spread beyond the skin to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.

Advanced treatment options may include:

• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Specialist surgical procedures

Modern immunotherapy treatments have dramatically improved outcomes for many patients with advanced melanoma and other aggressive skin cancers.

Early diagnosis remains the best way to avoid the need for more complex treatments.

Factors That Influence Treatment Decisions

No two skin cancer cases are exactly alike.

When recommending treatment, Dr. Shaun Segal considers several important factors:

Type of Skin Cancer

Different cancers behave differently and require different management approaches.

Tumour Size

Larger cancers often require more extensive treatment.

Location

Cancers on the face, eyelids, nose, ears, and lips require careful planning to preserve appearance and function.

Patient Health

Overall medical history and individual circumstances play a role in determining the safest treatment option.

Cosmetic Outcome

Especially for facial skin cancers, achieving an excellent cosmetic result is an important consideration.

What Happens After Treatment?

Successful treatment does not end with surgery or therapy.

Patients should continue with regular skin checks because individuals who have had one skin cancer are at increased risk of developing additional skin cancers in the future.

Follow-up care may include:

• Routine skin examinations
• Monitoring surgical sites
• Early detection of new lesions
• Ongoing sun protection education

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, regular surveillance allows new skin cancers to be identified and treated before they become more serious.

Why Experience Matters in Skin Cancer Treatment

Skin cancer treatment is about much more than simply removing a lesion. The ideal outcome combines complete cancer removal with excellent functional and cosmetic results.

Dr. Shaun Segal brings over two decades of experience in skin cancer medicine and surgery, including 15 years dedicated exclusively to skin cancer surgery. He has treated thousands of patients throughout Australia, particularly across New South Wales, Queensland, and Perth.

Currently practising at Baby Steps Specialist Centre and serving as Principal Skin Cancer Surgeon at Skin Cancer Only – Babysteps Health Centre in Subiaco, Dr. Shaun Segal is recognised for his expertise in complex skin cancer surgery and advanced facial reconstruction.

Having completed a surgical rotation at the world-renowned Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, he combines exceptional technical skill with genuine compassion and patient-centred care. His focus remains on achieving the best possible treatment outcomes while minimising scarring and preserving quality of life.

Final Thoughts

A skin cancer diagnosis can be concerning, but highly effective treatment options are available. From surgical excision and reconstruction to topical therapies and advanced treatments, modern skin cancer care offers excellent outcomes when cancers are diagnosed early.

Understanding your options is the first step toward making informed decisions about your health. With expert guidance from Dr. Shaun Segal, patients can feel confident that they are receiving personalised care designed to achieve both successful cancer treatment and the best possible cosmetic result.

If you notice a suspicious skin lesion or have concerns about changes in your skin, seeking professional assessment as early as possible can make all the difference. Early detection and timely treatment remain the key to achieving the best outcomes in skin cancer care.