Clinical signs for the early recognition of cancer of the oral cavity.

The dentist bears a particularly great responsibility with regard to the early detection of cancer of the oral cavity, since only early detection provides the greatest prospect of a cure. A description is therefore given of the features of the oral mucous membrane on which the differential diagnosis of 'carcinoma of the oral cavity' must in particular be made. The author then sets out an examination procedure which every dentist should follow before any treatment is given; this will also make it possible to detect those carcinomas of which the patient himself is not yet aware.