Traditional Chinese medicine-based visual assessment of tongue features associated with current cancer vs. no cancer history: a matched case-control study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cancer survivorship is increasing, and many people living with and beyond cancer seek supportive care such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where tongue inspection is routinely used. This exploratory study examined whether visually assessed tongue features differ between cancer survivors and those without a self-reported history of cancer.

Methods

Matched case-control (N = 120): 60 adults diagnosed with cancer vs. 60 without a self-reported cancer history. Three standardized tongue photographs were taken for each participant. Three blinded TCM practitioners scored 20 predefined features. Logistic models with Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) control estimated associations; Fleiss' κ quantified inter-rater reliability. Nested logistic model

SUBMITTER: Wu MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12900746 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature