Oral cancer and precancer

Oral carcinoma can be regarded as a largely preventable disease. Early recognition should be an attainable goal for most patients undergoing regular dental recall appointments. An understanding of the risk factors and of the characteristics of precancerous lesions can serve to heighten clinical sensitivity to oral SCC. Biopsies should be performed in all cases where the possibility of SCC exists; alternatively, patients should be referred to appropriate specialists for further evaluation.