Cancers of the oral cavity and the pharyngeal region rank as the sixth most common malignant neoplasms worldwide. Various types of malignant lesions can develop in the oral cavity depending on the tissue of origin. However, the most prevalent is oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Its early symptoms are often nonspecific, as the lesions are typically painless. More than half of oral cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage (stages III and IV), when pronounced symptoms such as pain, bleeding or the presence of a tumour in the oral cavity or the neck become apparent. Prognosis deteriorates significantly at this stage. This global issue underscores the need for innovative methods to enable the early and accurate detection of oral cancer lesions. One promising approach would involve identifying specific biomarkers associated with oral cancer. Oral microbiome is now particularly investigated since it may play a significant role in disease progression. Although these emerging techniques demonstrate great potential, further studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and reliability. Currently, biopsy and histopathological examination, which provide the highest degree of precision, remain the gold standard for diagnosis. The choice of diagnostic method largely depends on the expertise and training of medical specialists.