Initial mismanagement and delay in diagnosis of oral cancer.

A study of 779 patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the oral cavity revealed that 115 (14.8%) had had a temporally significant initial mismanagement or delay in diagnosis. The responsibility for this mismanagement was shared by the dentist, the physician, and the patient. Earlier recognition of oral cancer by the physician and dentist, with earlier treatment, is essential for improving the generally poor five-year survival rate of this disease.