The authors evaluate the risks of tumours and growth processes in the maxillofacial region. The tumours and growth processes in question are so-called semi-malignant tumours with tendency to locally limited infiltration, intra-epithelial carcinomata, precanceroses with abnormal epithelial growth and usually benign tumours with increased risk of degeneration. The clinicopathologica characteristics of these neoplasms are discussed, and recommendations for discriminating therapy are given. The clinician should use, by early detection and treatment, the primarily lower riskiness of these processes for the complete healing of patients affected with these diseases.