Tongue cancer warning signs highlighted after ‘Full House’star’s diagnosis

Dave Coulier, 66, announced in a Tuesday interview that he has been diagnosed with early-stage P16 carcinoma, or oropharyngeal tongue cancer.(Getty Images)

The comedian had announced on April 1 that he was cancer-free following thenon-Hodgkin Lymphomadiagnosis.

“To go through chemotherapy and feel that relief of whoah, it’s gone, and then to get a test that says, well now you’ve got another kind of cancer … it is a shock to the system,” he said.

Coulier shared that he will undergo a course of 35radiation treatments.

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What to know about tongue cancer

Tongue cancer can affect the front of the tongue (oral cavity) or the base/back of the tongue (oropharynx), according to the National Cancer Institute.Risk factors and prognosis can differ substantially depending on the location of the cancer.

In 2025, it is expected that there will be about 20,040 new cases of tongue cancer and approximately 3,270 deaths, the NCI states.(These numbers only include cancers that begin in the front two-thirds of the tongue.)

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When including all oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers — which totals all mouth and throat cancers — the numbers rise to 59,660 new cases and about 12,770 deaths in 2025, per the American Cancer Society.

The overall five-year survival rate for tongue cancer is 71%.

The news comes just months after the “Full House” star, pictured with co-star John Stamos (left), announced his battle with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.(Getty Images)

Studies have shown that cases have been on the rise in the U.S.in recent years, affecting almost all age groups and races.

“The rise is linked to the dramatic rise of HPV,�“It can metastasize, but the prognosis is 80% to 90% curable if it’s HPV-related.”

evaluated by a specialist,” he advised.

Some of the earliest warning signs of tongue cancer include a persistent sore or ulcer on the tongue, pain when swallowing, a lump in the throat or changes in speech.(iStock)

Siegel added, “Look out for a sore that won’t heal or difficulty swallowing.Show your doctor, ENT or dentist.”

Other common signs include a lump or thickening on the tongue;red or white patches on the tongue or lining of the mouth;persistent tongue, pain in the mouth, jaw or throat;and numbness or burning in the tongue, according to multiple health sources.

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Those affected may also notice difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking, or unexpected bleeding in the area.

If the cancer has spread, the patient may notice a lump in the neck (from enlarged lymph nodes), ear pain (usually on one side), or stiffness or swelling of the jaw. 

The standard treatment for tongue cancer is largely dependent on the stage of the disease and where it is located.(iStock)

The biggest risk factors for tongue cancer aretobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption and HPV, Semeniuk noted.

“We are also seeing increasing cases in younger adults who have never smoked, which underscores the role HPV can play,” he said.“People with long-standing mouth irritation, weakened immune systems orpoor oral hygienemay also be at higher risk.”

Treatment and prognosis

The standard treatment for tongue cancer is largely dependent on the stage of the disease and where it is located, according to experts.

combination of surgery, radiation therapyand, in more advanced cases, chemotherapy or targeted therapies,” Semeniuk said.

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“At City of Hope, we also use minimally invasive surgical approaches and precision-guided therapies to preserve speech and swallowing whenever possible.”

Coulier shared that he will undergo a course of 35 radiation treatments.(Getty Images)

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Siegel noted that tongue cancer tumors tend to be more responsive tosurgical resection, radiation and chemotherapy.

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“Prognosis is significantly better when tongue cancer is diagnosed early.If detected at an early stage, cure rates can be quite high,� 

“That’s why it’s so important for people to pay attention to changes in their mouth and seek care promptly.Regular dental visits andHPV vaccinationare also important steps in lowering risk.”

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