Dave Coulier, 66, known for his role as Joey Gladstone on Full House, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with tongue cancer. This diagnosis comes seven months after he announced that he was cancer-free. Coulier told the TODAY show that he is undergoing treatment for tongue cancer. “We found it early enough where it’s very treatable … It’s got a 90% curability rate. The doctor said the prognosis is good, but we’re going to start radiation immediately,” he added. Coulier is currently undergoing radiation therapy, 35 treatments in total, which will last through Dec. Back in 2024, he revealed he had stage three non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. The new tongue cancer, is however, unrelated to the lymphoma, and was detected during a routine PET scan. “In October of this year, I went in for a PET scan, just a routine check-up, and something flared on the PET scan. It turned out that I have P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue. So I said to the doctors, ‘Well, did this happen because of the lymphoma?’ And they said, ‘Totally unrelated’,” the actor told the outlet. Catching the signs early is crucial for better treatment options and outcomes.
What is tongue cancer?
Cancer is when abnormal cells start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way. Tongue cancer is a type of head and neck cancer, according to Cancer Research UK. A 2025 study by the Institute of Science Tokyo noted that oral cancer is increasingly prevalent worldwide, with more than 300,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The symptoms of the cancer include a spot or lump on your tongue that does not go away. There are many types of tongue cancer, but the most common is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Squamous cells are the flat, skin-like cells that cover the lining of the mouth, nose, larynx, thyroid, and throat. Cancer that starts in a squamous cell is called squamous cell carcinoma. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and early detection is key to improving patient outcomes.
What are the symptoms of tongue cancer?
There are many symptoms linked to tongue cancer. Some of the common symptoms include: • a red or white patch on the tongue that will not go away • a sore throat that does not go away • a sore spot (ulcer) or lump on the tongue that does not go away • painful or difficult swallowing • numbness in the mouth that will not go away • pain or a burning feeling over the tongue • problems moving your tongue or speaking • a lump in the neck • unexplained bleeding from the tongue (not caused by biting your tongue or another injury) • pain or hearing loss in one ear • weight loss
What is the cause of tongue cancer?
The exact cause of most head and neck cancers is unknown; however, the risk factors include: • smoking tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, and pipes) • regularly drinking a lot of alcohol • infection with a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV)Catching the signs early is crucial for better treatment options and outcomes. Paying attention to our bodies can make all the difference.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
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