Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequently occurring oral malignant neoplasm. Early diagnosis is essential for determining the treatment and prognosis of OSCC. Objective: The aim of this study was to report a case of an extensive OSCC, to discuss factors involved in the diagnosis of advanced lesions and to clarify difficulties experienced in referring patients with OSCC for treatment to a healthcare system.Methods: The study included male patients aged 50 years who were chronic alcoholic and tobacco smokers, who had severe trismus, and who presented with ulceroproliferative growth with indurated raised margins, involving the left palate and lower gingiva, extending into the buccal mucosa, and overlying the skin. Results: An incisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of OSCC, and the patient was referred for treatment. Conclusions:The factors that delay the diagnosis of OSCCs are misinformation, self-care negligence, socioeconomic aspects, inappropriate oral mucosa examinations, unknown oral diseases, and failure to obtain a conclusive diagnosis and forwarding the patient to the treatment.