Cancer of the oral cavity is a major public health problem with approximately 300,000 new cases reported annually worldwide. It is known to develop from pre-existing potentially malignant oral lesions (PMOL) or de nevo. Most of the cases go unnoticed till they are in their advanced stage. The majority present with locally advanced disease (stage III and IV) with dismal 5-year survival rates of 20-50%. Persistent failure to diagnose and treat oral cancer at an early stage is a key factor limiting advances in the outcome. Improving detection, diagnosis, and treatment of precancerous changes and early asymptomatic cancers is imperative to increase survival and improve functional outcomes for persons at risk to develop oral cancer.