Dr Shaun Segal Discusses Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms and Treatment

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Australia, and while melanoma often receives the most attention, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is another serious form of skin cancer that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Although SCC is usually highly treatable when detected early, delaying medical care can allow the cancer to grow deeper into the skin and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, recognizing the early symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma and seeking timely treatment are the keys to achieving the best possible outcomes. Through decades of experience in skin cancer medicine and surgery, Dr. Shaun Segal has helped thousands of Australians receive effective treatment while preserving both appearance and function.

With over 20 years of experience in skin cancer medicine and surgery and 15 years dedicated exclusively to skin cancer surgery, Dr. Shaun Segal is known for combining exceptional surgical expertise with compassionate patient care. His commitment to excellent medical and cosmetic outcomes has made him a trusted skin cancer surgeon across Australia.

What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) develops from the squamous cells that make up the outer layer of the skin. It commonly occurs in areas that receive frequent sun exposure, including:

• Face
• Nose
• Ears
• Lips
• Scalp
• Neck
• Hands
• Forearms

Unlike Basal Cell Carcinoma, SCC has a greater potential to spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, and, in rare cases, distant organs if left untreated.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, early diagnosis significantly reduces this risk and often allows for simpler, more effective treatment.

Why Australia Has Higher Rates of SCC

Australia experiences some of the highest ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels in the world. Years of cumulative sun exposure increase the likelihood of developing Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

People who spend significant time outdoors—whether for work, sports, or recreation—are particularly vulnerable.

Additional risk factors include:

• Fair skin
• History of frequent sunburns
• Increasing age
• Previous skin cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Use of tanning beds
• Long-term UV exposure

Even people who consistently use sunscreen today may develop SCC due to sun damage accumulated decades earlier.

Common Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

One of the challenges with SCC is that it can resemble many harmless skin conditions. Patients often mistake it for eczema, a persistent scab, or a non-healing wound.

Dr. Shaun Segal encourages patients to seek medical assessment if they notice any of the following symptoms.

A Persistent Scaly Patch

One of the earliest signs is a rough, red, or scaly patch that refuses to heal. These lesions may gradually enlarge over weeks or months.

A Non-Healing Sore

A sore that repeatedly crusts, bleeds, heals partially, and then returns is a classic warning sign of Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Any wound lasting longer than several weeks deserves professional evaluation.

Raised Growths

SCC may appear as a firm, raised lump that gradually enlarges. The surface may become rough or develop a crust.

Tenderness or Pain

While early lesions are often painless, more advanced SCC may become tender, painful, or sensitive to touch.

Bleeding Lesions

Skin cancers that bleed easily after minor contact should never be ignored.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, unexplained bleeding from a persistent skin lesion is an important reason to schedule a skin examination promptly.

Areas Most Commonly Affected

Squamous Cell Carcinoma develops most frequently in areas repeatedly exposed to sunlight.

Common locations include:

• Nose
• Eyelids
• Lips
• Cheeks
• Ears
• Bald scalp
• Back of hands
• Forearms

These areas are both cosmetically important and functionally sensitive, making expert surgical management essential.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

The earlier Squamous Cell Carcinoma is detected, the easier it is to treat successfully.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, early diagnosis provides several important advantages:

• Smaller surgical procedures
• Better cosmetic outcomes
• Faster healing
• Reduced risk of recurrence
• Lower likelihood of cancer spreading

Delaying treatment often means removing larger areas of tissue, increasing the complexity of reconstruction.

How Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a thorough skin examination performed by an experienced skin cancer specialist.

If a suspicious lesion is identified, a biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before the cancer progresses further.

Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Treatment depends on several factors, including:

• Size of the tumour
• Location
• Depth
• Whether the cancer has spread
• Patient’s overall health

Surgical Removal

Surgery remains the most effective treatment for most SCC cases.

The cancer is removed along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete excision.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, complete removal is essential to minimise the chance of recurrence.

Reconstructive Surgery

When SCC develops on delicate facial areas, reconstruction becomes an important part of treatment.

Dr. Shaun Segal is highly skilled in repairing complex defects involving:

• Nose
• Eyelids
• Lips
• Cheeks
• Other difficult facial regions

His advanced reconstructive techniques help restore both appearance and function following cancer removal.

Ongoing Monitoring

Patients who have had Squamous Cell Carcinoma are at increased risk of developing future skin cancers.

Regular follow-up skin examinations help detect new lesions early, when treatment is simplest and most successful.

Expertise Patients Can Trust

Patients throughout Australia trust Dr. Shaun Segal because of his extensive experience managing both routine and highly complex skin cancer cases.

His professional background includes:

• Over 20 years of experience in skin cancer medicine and surgery
• 15 years dedicated exclusively to skin cancer surgery
• ACCO Fellow specialising in complex skin cancer and reconstructive surgery
• Two years on surgical rotation at the world-renowned Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa
• Thousands of skin cancer patients treated across NSW, QLD, and Perth

Currently practicing at Baby Steps Specialist Centre and serving as the Principal Skin Cancer Surgeon at Skin Cancer Only – Babysteps Health Centre, Subiaco, Dr. Shaun Segal continues to provide highly specialised care focused on both effective treatment and outstanding cosmetic outcomes.

Helping Patients Feel Confident

A skin cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, especially when surgery involves the face.

Known for his kindness and unwavering commitment to patient care, Dr. Shaun Segal takes time to explain every stage of diagnosis and treatment. His goal is to ensure patients understand their options, feel reassured, and achieve the best possible medical and cosmetic results.

This patient-centred approach has earned him the trust of thousands of individuals seeking expert skin cancer treatment across Australia.

Protecting Yourself from Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Although not every case can be prevented, adopting healthy sun protection habits can significantly reduce your risk.

Dr. Shaun Segal recommends:

• Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
• Wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats
• Avoiding prolonged sun exposure during peak UV hours
• Performing monthly self-skin examinations
• Scheduling regular professional skin checks
• Seeking prompt assessment for any persistent or changing skin lesion

Prevention and early detection remain the strongest defence against skin cancer.

Final Thoughts

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a common but potentially serious form of skin cancer. Fortunately, when diagnosed early, it is highly treatable, often with excellent long-term outcomes.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, paying attention to persistent skin changes, scheduling regular skin examinations, and seeking early medical advice are essential steps in preventing complications.

With more than two decades of experience, advanced expertise in complex skin cancer surgery, and a strong commitment to compassionate patient care, Dr. Shaun Segal continues to help patients across Australia receive world-class treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma while preserving both function and appearance.