Can a simple mouth device restore speech after tongue cancer?

NCT ID NCT02584270

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Michigan Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a custom dental device called a palatal augmentation prosthesis (PAP), along with speech therapy, can improve how well people speak and swallow after surgery for small tongue cancers (T1/T2). Forty participants will be randomly assigned to receive the device plus therapy or standard care. The main goal is to see if words are easier to understand six months after treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Palatal Augmentation Prosthesis (PAP) and articulation therapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a standard way to help people with small tongue cancers speak and swallow better after surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 40 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The device requires regular wear and therapy, which may not suit all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ORAL CANCER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

lip and oral cavity carcinoma Mouth Neoplasms tongue cancer tongue neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ORAL CANCER TONGUE CANCER TONGUE NEOPLASMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Michigan Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Hospital Dentistry
RECRUITING

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.