Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCCS) is one of the most common malignancies in humans that gives place only to breast cancer in females and lung and prostate cancers in males. The local destructive nature of SCCS lesion growth with invasion into the underlying tissues, cartilages and bones, high probability of metastasing, high recurrence rate as well as preferential location of the tumor on the skin of the face, head, and neck necessitate timely diagnosis of this disease at its early stages, choice of the most appropriate method of treatment, which is characterized not only by the maximum efficacy but also by the maximum cosmetic result. The review describes in detail the literature data on trigger factors, clinical course, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures of SCCS.