Tongue cancer symptoms and HPV link explained by medical doctors

Following his announcement by comedian Dave Coulier Diagnosis of tongue cancerexperts share what you should know about this disease.

Collier, 66, announced in an interview Tuesday that he had been diagnosed with early-stage p16 cancer, or oropharyngeal tongue cancer.

The term oropharynx refers to cancer that begins at the base of the tongue. “P16” indicates that it is associated with HPV (human papillomavirus).

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The news comes just months after the “Full House” star announced his battle with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Tongue cancer “is completely unrelated” to this primary cancer, He told “Al-Youm” In the interview.

“I went for a PET scan, which is just a routine scan, and something came up on the PET scan,” Collier said. “It turned out I had p16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue.”

Dave Collier, 66, announced in an interview Tuesday that he had been diagnosed with early-stage p16 cancer, or oropharyngeal tongue cancer. (Getty Images)

The comedian announced on April 1 that he was cancer-free after being diagnosed with it Non-Hodgkin lymphoma He snorted.

“Going through chemo and feeling great, it’s gone, and then having a test that says, ‘OK, now you have another type of cancer’ … it’s a shock to the system,” he said.

Collier indicated that he will undergo a 35-year cycle Radiation treatments.

What do you 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 vary greatly depending on the location of the cancer.

In 2025, there are expected to be about 20,040 new cases of tongue cancer and about 3,270 deaths, the National Cancer Institute states. (These numbers only include cancers that start in the front two-thirds of the tongue.)

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

The 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’s lymphoma. (Getty Images)

Studies have shown that cases have increased in the United States in recent years, affecting almost all age groups and races.

“The rise is associated with a significant rise in HPV,” Dr. Mark Siegel, chief medical analyst at Fox News, told Fox News Digital. “It can spread, but the diagnosis is 80% to 90% curable if it is related to HPV.”

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Tongue cancer is one of the fastest-rising cases of head and neck cancer that doctors are seeing, agreed George Semeniuk, MD, an oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope in Newport Beach, California.

“Early detection is critical,” he told Fox News Digital.

Warning signs and risk factors

Some early warning signs of tongue cancer include a persistent sore or sore on the tongue, pain when swallowing, or a lump or changes in speech, according to Semeniuk.

“Anything that lasts longer than two weeks should be fine It is evaluated by a specialist“, he advised.

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

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

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. Numbness or burning in the tongue, according to multiple health sources.

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Sufferers 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 swollen lymph nodes), ear pain (usually on one side), or stiffness or swelling in the jaw.

Standard treatment for tongue cancer depends largely on the stage of the disease and where it is located. (Istock)

The biggest risk factors for tongue cancer are: Tobacco useSemeniuk cited heavy alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus.

“We are also seeing increasing cases in younger adults who have never smoked, which underscores the role HPV can play,” he said. “People with prolonged oral irritation, a weak immune system, or… Poor oral hygiene “They may also be at greater risk.”

Treatment and diagnosis

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

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“Treatment depends on the stage and location of the tumor, but often includes: A combination of surgery and radiotherapy In more advanced cases, chemotherapy or targeted therapies.”

“At City of Hope, we also use minimally invasive surgical techniques and carefully targeted treatments to preserve speech and swallowing whenever possible.”

Collier indicated that he will undergo a course of 35 radiation treatments. (Getty Images)

Siegel noted that tongue cancer tumors tend to be more responsive to it Surgical resectionRadiation and chemotherapy.

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“The prognosis is much better when tongue cancer is diagnosed early. If it is detected at an early stage, cure rates can be very high,” Semeniuk told Fox News Digital.

“That’s why it’s so important that people pay attention to changes in their mouth and seek care right away. Regular visits to the dentist and Vaccination against human papillomavirus “They are also important steps in reducing risks.”