The importance of a thorough oral and paraoral examination of all patients, with appropriate follow-up of abnormalities, cannot be overstated. The prognosis of any malignant lesion is improved if diagnosis and treatment are rendered early. This patient had an obvious lesion of the hard palate, 4 1/2 years before definitive diagnosis. When the lesion was first noted, prompt diagnostic evaluation may have discovered the malignant process. The lengthy delay in appropriate treatment for this patient has resulted in a potentially tragic outcome.