Introduction:

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequently occurring oral malignant neoplasm. Early diagnosis is essential for determining the treatment and prognosis of OSCC.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to report a case of an extensive OSCC, to discuss factors involved in the diagnosis of advanced lesions and to clarify diffi-culties experienced in referring patients with OSCC for treatment to a healthcare system.

Methods:

The study included male patients aged 50 years who were chronic alcoholic and tobacco smokers, who had severe trismus, and who presented with ulceroprolifera-tive growth with indurated raised margins, involving the left palate and lower gingiva, extending into the buccal mucosa, and overlying the skin.

Results:

An incisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of OSCC, and the patient was referred for treatment.

Conclusions:

The factors that delay the diagnosis of OSCCs are misinformation, self-care negligence, socioeconomic aspects, inappropriate oral mucosa examinations, unknown oral diseases, and failure to obtain a conclusive diagnosis and forwarding the patient to the treatment. (AU)