The traditional list of etiological factors related to oral squamous cell carcinoma namely, tobacco, alcohol, syphilis, and oral sepsis has been expanded to include iron deficiency, chronic candidosis, and herpes simplex virus. The development of current concepts in these areas is discussed. In evaluating the need for future research, special emphasis is given to the concepts of multifactorial etiology and the role of mutagens. Suggestions for future research are discussed.