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Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin
Source: Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 1, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma that is localized may include the following:
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Simple excision.
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Mohs micrographic surgery.
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Radiation therapy.
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Curettage and electrodesiccation.
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Cryosurgery.
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Photodynamic therapy, for squamous cell carcinoma in situ (stage 0).
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Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma that is metastatic or cannot be treated with local therapy may include the following:
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Immunotherapy with cemiplimab or pembrolizumab.
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A clinical trial of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Treatment of recurrent squamous cell carcinoma that is not metastatic may include the following:
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Simple excision.
Mohs micrographic surgery.
Radiation therapy.
Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General information about clinical trials is also available.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice