Tongue Cancer
Treatment in Malaysia

At Onco Life Centre, our team takes a personalized approach to treating tongue cancer. We focus not only on treating the disease, but also on supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our patients every step of the way.

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Understanding Tongue Cancer Types

Several types of cancer grow in the tongue, but squamous cell carcinoma is the most common. Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that line the mouth and other organs.

Cancer of the oral tongue occurs in the front two-thirds of the tongue. Cancer of the base of the tongue is the back one-third of the tongue that extends down the throat.

Why Choose Onco Life Centre?

Expertise You Can Trust, Innovation You Can Count On

Over 20 Years of
Experience

Our highly-qualified consultant oncologists boast extensive experience treating a vast array of cancers. Their training at prestigious institutions in Australia and the UK ensures exceptional expertise that you can trust.

Collaboration with
Leading Genomics Experts

For complex cases, our oncologists collaborate with leading genomics specialists in the US. This ensures access to the latest treatments for all cancer types.

Unmatched
patient experience

You and your healthcare experience are at the centre of what we do at Onco Life Centre. Our core values of Empathy, Dedication, Professionalism and Service Quality have driven us since our earliest days.

Treatment Methods

Treatment recommendations by our cancer specialists at Onco Life Centre are tailored and personalized and depends on tumor stage, tumor genomics, pre-existing medical conditions, your overall health and nutritional status.

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy is the foundation of precision medicine. Our Oncologists at Onco Life Centre work in close collaboration with Cancer Genomics Experts in the US to perform cancer gene mapping and DNA sequencing on our patients’ cancer tissue. Regular teleconferencing and live exchange of information with the US Genomics Experts allows our Oncologists to specifically design unique treatment plans for our patients. By targeting specific genes and proteins that are involved in driving cancer survival and progression, our patients at Onco Life Centre are experiencing significant and sustained improvements in their cancer responses and living longer.

At Onco Life Centre, we have made it our mission to improve the everyday lives of our patients. Our Oncologists and Pharmacists will seek to identify Compassionate Drug Access Programs that allows pre-approved new drugs outside clinical trials (and prior to product launch) for our patients who do not have satisfactory therapy options available.

Click to find out more about targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. To find the most effective treatment, our oncologist may run tests to identify the genes, proteins, and other factors in your tumor.

Drugs that target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein on the surface of tongue cancer cells can help slow or stop cancer cell growth. EGFR inhibitors can be combined with radiotherapy in earlier stage cancers. For more advanced cancers, it maybe combined with chemotherapy or maybe used by itself.

Please click here to learn more about Targeted Therapy

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is designed to boost your body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. The PD-1 pathway is critical in the immune system’s ability to control cancer growth. PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies block this pathway and can stop the growth of tongue cancer.

There are two specific antibody drugs that target PD-1, a protein on T cells in the immune system. By blocking PD-1, these drugs boost the immune response against cancer cells.

Please click here to learn more about Immunotherapy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is prescribed for different reasons:

Together with radiotherapy as an alternative to surgery (called chemo radiation)
After surgery to decrease the risk of the cancer returning
To slow the growth of a tumor and control symptoms when the cancer cannot be cured (palliative treatment)

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy, including intensity modulated radiation therapy, stops cancer cells from dividing and slows the growth of the tumor. Radiotherapy also destroys cancer cells and can eliminate tumors. Intensity modulated radiation therapy allows the use of more effective radiation doses with fewer side effects than conventional radiotherapy techniques.

Surgery (Oral Tongue)

Surgical removal of the primary tumor might be the only treatment needed for small oral tongue cancers. If the tumor is large and has spread to neck nodes, the surgeon may recommend removal of these affected nodes.

Surgery for large tumors may affect speech and swallowing. However, with the latest reconstructive techniques, most speech and swallowing problems can be restored.

Surgery (Base of the Tongue)

The base of the tongue cancer is often diagnosed later with spread to the neck nodes. The affected neck nodes frequently need to be removed. The only early symptom is ear pain. Voice change and difficult swallowing occur later.

Tongue Cancer Staging

T (tumour)

T describes the size of the tumour (area of cancer).

There are 4 main T stages of HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer. These are T1 to T4.

T1

T1 means that the cancer tumour size is less than 2cm.

T2

T2 means that the cancer tumour is larger than 2cm, but smaller than 4cm.

T3

T3 means one of the following:

The cancer tumour size is larger than 4cm
The cancer cells have spread into the flap of tissue (epiglottis) at the top of the voice box (larynx)

T4

T4 means that the cancer cells have spread into nearby areas, such as the voice box (larynx), the jawbone (mandible), or muscles connecting the tongue to the jawbone (extrinsic muscles).

Transparency You Can Trust

At Onco Life Centre, we understand the financial burden associated with Tongue cancer treatment. We are committed to transparency and will provide you with a personalized cost estimate during your initial consultation. Here is an estimate:

Chemotherapy

The cost for treating tongue cancer using chemotherapy for most of our patients is around MYR4,000 per cycle.

Targeted Therapy:

Adding in Targeted Therapy can go up to MYR5,000, depending on the specific type of targeted therapy drug used.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can range from MYR8,000 and above depending on the specific type and dosage of immunotherapy drugs used.

Symptoms and signs of tongue cancer

The symptoms of tongue cancer might include:

a red or white patch on the tongue that does not go away
persistent sore throat that does not seem to heal
a sore spot (ulcer) or lump on the tongue that does not go away
pain when swallowing
numbness in the mouth for a long period of time
pain or burning feeling over the tongue
difficulty moving your tongue or speaking
a lump in the neck
bleeding from the tongue (excluding accidental self-biting your tongue or another injury)

Diagnosis of tongue cancer

If any tumors, growths, or suspicious lesions, the specialist will perform a brush biopsy or a tissue biopsy. A brush biopsy is a painless test that collects cells from the tumor by brushing them onto a slide. A tissue biopsy involves removing a piece of the tissue so it can be examined under a microscope for cancerous cells.

In addition, one or more of the following tests may be performed:

X-rays to see if cancer cells have spread to the jaw, chest, or lungs
a CT scan to reveal any tumors in your mouth, throat, neck, lungs, or elsewhere in your body
a PET scan to determine if the cancer has traveled to lymph nodes or other organs
an MRI scan to show a more accurate image of the head and neck, and determine the extent or stage of the cancer
an endoscopy to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, inner throat, windpipe, and trachea

Start Your Recovery

Our dedicated Patient Navigator will assist you with appointment scheduling. Contact us at +6012-3993260 (Call or Whatsapp ).

First Consultation

On appointment day, bring along all the medical reports and your identity documents, ie. identity card or passport. Our team will help you organize the medical reports for our oncologist to review. Our oncologist will discuss the treatment plan with you. Tele-consult is available for overseas patients.

Treatment Day

Come to our center on an agreed date and time for the treatment. Our team will take good care of you. You will be discharged on the same day. Yes, you will get to go home after every treatment visit as no overnight admission is required.

Stay on Track

Our dedicated patient navigator will be following up with you post treatment to check on your condition, to ensure that you are doing well. You will receive a reminder message on your phone for the next appointment date.

Dr. Christina Ng Van Tze

Consultant Medical Oncologist
Medical Director
MBBS (Melb) FRACP (Aus)

Monday - Friday : 08:00 AM TO 06:00 PM

Saturday : 08:00 AM TO 02:00 PM

D. Joseph K. Joseph

Consultant Medical Oncologist
MBBCH, BAO (IRE) MRCP (UK)

Wednesday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Friday : 08:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Advocacy Programs

Dr. Christina Ng Represents Onco Life Centre at ESMO 2025

Hello, I’m Dr. Christina Ng Van Tze, a Consultant Medical Oncologist and Medical Director at Onco Life Centre, as well as the Founder President of Empowered The Cancer Advocacy Society of Malaysia. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about advancing personalized cancer treatment, strengthening community advocacy, and expanding access to high-quality care for patients across Malaysia.

Attending the ESMO Congress 2025 in Berlin was both inspiring and energizing. Representing Onco Life Centre, our dedicated medical centre in Malaysia, I stood among global leaders committed to shaping the future of oncology. This year’s congress was filled with remarkable scientific breakthroughs, thoughtful discussions, and a renewed sense of purpose as we work toward better outcomes and better lives for our patients.

A Global Gathering Focused on Precision Cancer Care

ESMO 2025 brought together thousands of clinicians, researchers, and advocates from around the world. What made this year particularly exciting was the strong emphasis on precision medicine, from cancer genetics and molecular profiling to advanced imaging and AI-powered diagnostic tools. These advancements are aligning closely with the work we do at Onco Life Centre, where patient individuality and tumor biology guide our treatment decisions.

Throughout the congress, many experts highlighted the importance of understanding each patient’s tumor in greater depth. Whether through genomic sequencing, circulating tumor DNA, or radiomic analyses, the oncology community is moving firmly toward personalized strategies. As someone who has long championed individualized care, I found these sessions especially meaningful.

Key Scientific Sessions That Inspired Me

One of the standout presentations was the evERA BC trial, a major study evaluating the combination of giredestrant, an oral SERD, with an mTOR inhibitor drug in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The results showed a significant improvement in progression-free survival, especially in tumors driven by ESR1 mutations. For patients who have progressed on CDK4/6 inhibitors, this combination may become an essential addition to our treatment toolbox.

This study also supports a larger movement within oncology—creating thoughtful, layered treatment plans that address resistance pathways and extend the time patients can remain on endocrine-based therapies. It’s a direction that can profoundly benefit Malaysian women, many of whom are diagnosed at younger ages or have aggressive tumor profiles.

Insights from the thoracic oncology sessions were equally impactful. Advances in lung cancer, including AI-driven pathology models, updated ALK-targeted treatment strategies, and ctDNA-guided therapy adjustments, reminded me just how quickly this field is evolving. Given the increasing prevalence of lung cancer in Malaysia, especially among non-smokers and women, these developments hold tremendous value for our community.

The Role of AI in Transforming Clinical Practice

One major theme across the congress was the integration of artificial intelligence into clinical decision-making. Researchers demonstrated how AI models can analyze pathology slides, radiology images, and genomic data to predict which patients are more likely to respond to immunotherapy or targeted treatment. These tools help us avoid ineffective therapies and guide patients toward options with the most tremendous potential.

At Onco Life Centre, we have been exploring the use of digital technologies to streamline assessments and enhance patient monitoring. Seeing the global oncology community embrace these tools assures me that we are moving in the right direction. I hope that AI will continue to improve early detection, refine treatment selection, and ultimately support better survival outcomes for Malaysian patients.

Representing Onco Life Centre on the International Stage

Representing Onco Life Centre at an event of this scale was a true honor. Our centre has always focused on delivering holistic, science-driven care, and it was wonderful to share our experiences with colleagues from around the world. I had meaningful conversations about challenges related to access to molecular testing globally, variability in treatment availability, and the need for stronger psycho-oncology support systems.

These interactions not only validated the work we do but also highlighted areas where we can continue to grow. Bringing international insights back to Malaysia ensures that our patients benefit from the same cutting-edge thinking shaping care in Europe, America, and beyond.

Bringing ESMO Insights Home to Malaysia

Returning from Berlin, I feel a renewed commitment to integrating the latest research into our daily practice. In the coming months, we aim to:

Enhance our use of molecular profiling for breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers
Expand ctDNA testing where appropriate to guide treatment decisions
Strengthen multidisciplinary discussions for complex cases
Continue investing in supportive care and psycho-oncology services
Provide patients and families with clearer, more personalized education about treatment choices

As a clinician, I believe that every advancement, no matter how technical, must ultimately translate into compassionate, human-centered care. This balance of science and empathy remains at the core of our mission.

A Future of Hope and Collaboration

ESMO 2025 reaffirmed what I’ve always believed: oncology is advancing rapidly, but meaningful progress relies on collaboration, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to patient care. I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to represent Onco Life Centre on this global platform. Being part of these critical conversations strengthens our mission to raise the standard of oncology in Malaysia. It ensures our patients benefit from the latest, most effective innovations in cancer care.

Moving forward, we will continue engaging with global partners, conducting meaningful advocacy through Empowered, and ensuring our patients receive the highest standard of personalized treatment.

Together, we can build a future where every individual facing cancer feels seen, supported, and empowered.

Onco Life Centre Wins 2025 Best Oncology Clinic in Malaysia

We are proud to share that Onco Life Centre has been named the Oncology Clinic and Treatment Centre of the Year in Malaysia at the GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards 2025, held in Bangkok.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering personalized, compassionate, and cutting-edge cancer care to our patients. The award reflects not just our clinical excellence, but our dedication to safety, community outreach, and innovation in oncology services.

The GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Awards celebrate leading healthcare institutions across the region. Winners are chosen based on a comprehensive evaluation of criteria such as:

Excellence and Innovation: Transforming healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through progressive medical practices.
Patient Safety: Upholding the highest standards to ensure safe, comfortable, and effective treatment environments.
Community Involvement: Actively engaging in public awareness, screening programs, and care for underprivileged communities.
Technology Adoption: Integrating advanced diagnostics, therapies, and digital tools to enhance every aspect of care.
Impact and Measurable Results: Demonstrating tangible improvements in cancer detection, treatment success, and patient well-being.
Adaptability and Preparedness: Being resilient and forward-thinking in the face of global health challenges.
Leadership and Vision: Cultivating a culture that prioritizes empathy, innovation, and ongoing education.

This award inspires us to continue raising the bar in oncology care—not only through medical advancements but by remaining deeply rooted in our advocacy mission: to serve, educate, and empower every cancer patient, especially those most in need.

We dedicate this achievement to our patients, survivors, caregivers, and the entire Onco Life Centre community. Your courage fuels our purpose. Together, we will continue the fight—because every life matters.