NHS delivers first custom artificial tongue to cancer survivor

Imogen Brooks, an assistant medical writer from Newham, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma at 26 and underwent surgery that removed most of her tongue. After struggling with speech and social interaction, she approached clinicians at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, prompting a team led by speech-language therapist Carolyn Doughty and dental technician Michael Brown to develop a bespoke prosthetic. The device consists of a U-shaped cobalt-chrome frame that clips onto her lower teeth and a custom-molded silicone tongue, created after months of scans and trial versions.

Delivered last year, Brooks reported clearer speech within three days and greater stamina when speaking, noting that conversations with family, especially her grandmother, became easier. The innovation is believed to be the first prosthetic tongue manufactured within the NHS, and its success was presented at UK conferences. Brooks has since completed a doctoral oral exam at King’s College London, crediting the prosthetic for a “massive difference” in her daily life.