Skin Cancer Surgery · SCC
Skin Cancer · Conditions
SCC is Australia's second most common skin cancer — faster-growing than BCC, and with a small but real capacity to spread. It deserves prompt, definitive surgery.
What it is
Squamous cell carcinoma arises from the keratinocytes of the epidermis, usually on heavily sun-exposed skin — the scalp, ears, face, lips, forearms and hands. SCCs typically appear as a scaly, crusted or tender lump that grows over weeks to months.
Unlike BCC, SCC can spread to lymph nodes, particularly from the lip and ear, in larger or deeper tumours, and in people with weakened immune systems. This is why SCCs are treated more promptly and why follow-up matters.
Treatment
The mainstay of treatment is surgical excision with an adequate margin, confirmed by pathology. Dr Kim performs excision and reconstruction — often in one operation — and examines regional lymph nodes as part of assessment. Where a tumour is high-risk, he coordinates any additional treatment or specialist referral your case needs.
SCC defects on the ear, lip and scalp demand reconstructive judgment: preserving the hairline, the shape of the ear, the function of the lip. This intersection of cancer clearance and reconstruction is the core of Dr Kim's practice.
Common questions
SCCs commonly enlarge over weeks to months — noticeably faster than most BCCs. A rapidly growing, tender or crusted lump on sun-exposed skin should be assessed promptly.
Yes — a minority of SCCs spread to lymph nodes, more often from the lip or ear, from larger or deeper tumours, or in immunosuppressed patients. Early complete excision greatly reduces this risk.
Yes. Examination of the regional lymph nodes is part of Dr Kim's assessment, and he arranges imaging or specialist input where a tumour is high-risk.
Most patients return to normal activity within days to two weeks depending on the size and site of the repair. Dr Kim follows every reconstruction through to scar maturity.
Related
Next step
Consultations in Sydney CBD and North Sydney. Referrals from GPs, dermatologists and Mohs surgery specialists welcome. Phone 1300 911 151.
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