Objective: To investigate a reliable method of establishment of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma models in nude mice by orthotopic transplantation and the value of the models for experimental study. Methods: A cell suspension of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line (Tca8113) was subcutaneously inoculated into nude mice and the growing tumors were screened by serially passing to the fifth generation; they were then sectioned to be orthotopically transplanted into nude mice. The growing and morphological characteristics of the transplanted tumors were studied. Results: (1) The success rate of transplanted tumor was 90%. (2) The incubation period was 7 to 10 days. (3) The nude mice with the growing tumors died at 28 to 40 days, and the weight of the orthotopic tumors ranged from 44 to 58 mg. (4) The tumors in the mice exhibited the same characteristics as the original human carcinoma; furthermore the human tongue cancer cells extended and metastasized to adjacent tissues and the lymph nodes of the neck. Conclusion: The models established by this method provide useful tools for the study of the biological behavior and treatment of tongue cancers. The method is quite effective and simple, and a valuable study aid.