[Update on oral cancer--awareness equals survival?]

There is a trend towards higher prevalence of oral cancer and no progress has been achieved concerning survival rates during the last few decades. Despite the simplicity of the oral examination most of oral cancers are discovered at advanced stages bearing severe prognosis. Improved awareness of both the attendant medical team and the target population may improve the chances of prevention by earlier detection thus enhancing the survival rate. We present current diagnostic procedures for early detection of oral cancerous lesions together with a short review of epidemiology, clinical aspects, risk factors and treatment modalities.