ONCOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES IN THE TREATMENT OF SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE SKIN

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSC) is one of the most common malignant skin tumors, with the potential for invasion and metastasis that requires an individualized therapeutic approach tailored to the tumor characteristics and the patient’s clinical condition. This study aims to synthesize recent scientific evidence regarding the pathogenic basis, the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor progression, and the preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies employed in the management of this neoplasm. This is a narrative literature review conducted in the PubMed database using the search terms “Squamous Cell Carcinoma” and “Skin Neoplasms,” covering publications from the last five years in Portuguese and English. The findings highlight the relevance of early genomic alterations, immunosuppression, mechanotransduction mechanisms, and extracellular matrix remodeling in the continuum ranging from actinic keratosis to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. From a therapeutic perspective, surgical excision with meticulous margin assessment—optimized by digital deep learning tools—remains a cornerstone of local control. Topical interventions targeting the cancerization field, combined with photoprotection and chemoprevention measures, complement primary and secondary prevention. For locally advanced or metastatic cases, immunotherapy with PD-1 inhibitors and advances in the understanding of T-cell-mediated immunosurveillance offer new clinical perspectives. It is concluded that the effective management of SCC requires continuous integration between early diagnosis, precise risk stratification, and personalized therapeutic selection.