Early detection of oral cancer is the most effective means of reducing morbidity, complexity, and extent of treatment. This study evaluated the clinicopathological profile of epidermoid carcinoma of the tongue, including treatment and survival. This observational, retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue treated at the Dr. Luiz Antônio Hospital, Natal, Brazil, from January 2001 to December 2011. Survival variables were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log rank tests. Of the 412 patients diagnosed in this period, 298 (72.3%) were men; their mean age was 60.5 years, and 69.2% were diagnosed with stage III/IV tumours. Improved survival was associated with early stage diagnosis, absence of affected lymph nodes at diagnosis, and treatment with surgery alone. Late stage diagnosis of oral cancer negatively affects patient survival. In addition, the general public should be made aware of the prognostic factors for oral SCC of the tongue and of the importance of periodic examinations of the oral cavity.