The term ‘oral cancer’ encompasses neoplastic lesions involving the lip, oral and oropharynx. The vast majority of these lesions are squamous cell carcinomas. Risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use and, particularly for oropharyngeal cancers, exposure to human papillomavirus. Visual screening for oral cancers in the mouth necessitates an appreciation of the presentation of oral lesions that have an increased risk of malignant transformation. Recent evidence reviews by the US Preventative Services Task Force and the Cochrane Collaboration have concluded that at the current time, there is insufficient evidence to recommend oral cancer screening in the general population. However, because of the potentially serious outcomes for patients and impact on quality of life, opportunistic visual screening opportunities should be part of general oral examinations for patients visiting health professionals, particularly dental practitioners.
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