Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for one-fifth of the non-melanoma skin cancers. Whereas the risk of metastasis from basal cell carcinoma is extremely low, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has an stimated metastatic risk of 1-2%. The development os SCC in an individual is related to two factors: constitutional predisposition determined by the skin color and environmental factor, mainly sunlight.As SCC is most often sun induced, fair-skinned people with excessive sun exposure are at highest risk. Arsenic ingestion, immunosuppression and PUVA treatment for psoriasis are other factors implicated in the development of SCC.Programs promoting a reduction of sunexposure and regular use os sunscreens have demonstrated useful in the prevention of skin cancer.