A new approach to the dilemma in treating tongue cancer

The triggers for tongue cancer are almost entirely linked to things we “take into” our mouths: tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut.

Betel nut is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). People who chew betel nut over the long term face a risk of oral cancer 20 to 30 times higher than that of the general population; the longer and more frequently one chews, the greater the risk.

Another often-overlooked culprit includes damaged or decayed teeth, sharp tooth edges, or ill-fitting dentures. These can constantly rub against the edges of the tongue—year after year, the oral mucosa undergoes repeated injury and repair, a process that can eventually lead to malignancy.

Three Warning Signs—Don’t Ignore Them

Early-stage tongue cancer often doesn’t look alarming, which frequently leads to delayed diagnosis. Keep an eye out for these three signs:

· Ulcers on the edge or underside of the tongue that do not heal within two weeks.

· The appearance of white or red patches on the tongue, or areas that feel hard to the touch.

· Unexplained pain or numbness in the tongue.

Prevention means addressing the root causes: quit smoking, drinking, and chewing betel nut; brush your teeth thoroughly; and have any remaining tooth roots or damaged crowns treated. Investing in dental repairs may be more effective for cancer prevention than any health supplement.

Targeting Tumors While “Tracing” Healthy Tissue

The tongue is a unique organ: a small space packed with functions—speaking, eating, and tasting—while situated in close proximity to facial bones and muscles.

In surgery, ensuring the complete removal of a tumor often comes at the cost of function; meanwhile, conventional radiation therapy can easily damage the surrounding healthy tissue.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) offers a precise solution: a boron-containing agent accumulates specifically within the tumor. When exposed to a neutron beam, the therapeutic effect is localized to the scale of a single cell—effectively “tracing” the tumor’s outline while sparing the adjacent healthy tissue. Leveraging the “pioneering and pilot” policy of the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Pengbo (Hainan) BNCT Hospital has introduced the NeuCure® BNCT system—the only one of its kind approved globally—along with the boron-based drug Steboronine®. The hospital focuses on precision radiotherapy for unresectable, locally advanced, or recurrent head and neck cancers, enabling “cell-level” precision in the fight against cancer.

Two case studies are documented below—

It should be noted that these are individual case records, and treatment outcomes may vary from person to person. Among the patients treated at Pengbo Hospital, tongue cancer is the most prevalent condition, accounting for 16 out of 40 cases—nearly 40%.

It is also important to define the scope of application: for early-stage tongue cancer that can be completely removed, surgery remains the primary treatment option. Whether a patient is a suitable candidate for BNCT is determined by a multidisciplinary team following a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s pathology, diagnostic imaging, and medical history.

Post-treatment, the primary focus of rehabilitation is the oral cavity.

In the short term, patients may experience an inflammatory-like reaction in the oral mucosa. Most individuals can manage this phase successfully by rinsing with warm saline, avoiding spicy or piping-hot foods, and using mucosal-protective medications as prescribed.

Patients may also need to relearn how to eat and speak. This process involves a gradual transition from pureed or soft foods to a regular diet, alongside swallowing and speech exercises guided by medical professionals—patience is key.

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