ABSTRACT
A clinician’s assessment of a patient presenting with an oral symptom or sign of disease may be viewed in a manner similar to that of a detective attempting to solve a crime. On some occasions the solution is straightforward, based on a short history obtained from the patient and examina - tion of the lesion. On other occasions the diagnosis may be more elusive and require the analysis of a more complicated history and a more extensive clinical examination. In addition, special tests, in particular hematological assess - ment, microbiological sampling, and tissue biopsy, are of invaluable help in establishing the definitive diagnosis.
