The FDI World Dental Federation recognises that oral cancer is a major public health issue worldwide, where cancer of the lip, mouth and pharynx combined is the sixth most common site of malignancy. Oral cancer remains a highly lethal and disfiguring disease. Therefore, a systematic oral mucosal examination, by visual means and digital palpation, should be part of every dental examination procedure and every dentist must be aware of the most rapid and adequate referral pathway for the effective management of these lesions