Precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral cavity

Oral cancer and precancerous lesions represent a diverse clinicopathologic set of conditions in which accurate and early recognition is paramount. Without an adequate understanding of the clinical manifestations and the pathogenesis of these lesions, the clinician is handicapped severely. The intent of this article is to familiarize clinicians with the pertinent clinicopathologic features of a variety of the most common oral, premalignant and malignant conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on the prognosis of these conditions and how many of them are interrelated.