Potentially Malignant Disorders of the Oral Cavity

Cancer derived from the Greek word Karkinos meaning crab symbolizes how carcinoma spreads like a crab into adjacent tissues. Oral cancer is notably prevalent in developing countries particularly in the Indian subcontinent where oral squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 92-95% of cases. Early detection of Potentially Malignant Disorders (PMDs) which often precede oral cancer is critical for improving survival rates. These disorders are characterized by visible changes in the oral mucosa and the World Health Organization (WHO) redefined them in 2005 to encompass both precancerous lesions and conditions under the broader term PMDs. Awareness and early diagnosis are essential to reducing the impact of oral cancer.