Health
Tongue cancer warning signs highlighted after ‘Full House’ star’s diagnosis
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
On the heels of comedian Dave Coulier’s announcement of his tongue cancer diagnosis, experts are sharing what to know about the disease.
Coulier, 66, announced in a Tuesday interview that he has been diagnosed with early-stage P16 carcinoma, or oropharyngeal tongue cancer.
“Oropharyngeal” refers to cancer that begins at the base of the tongue. The “P16” indicates that it is associated with HPV (human papillomavirus).
JAMES VAN DER BEEK IS IN ‘HEALING PHASE’ OF CANCER BATTLE
The news comes just months after the “Full House” star announced his battle with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. The tongue cancer is “totally unrelated” to that initial cancer, he told “Today” in the interview.
“I went in for a PET scan, just a routine check-up, and something flared on the PET scan,” Coulier said. “It turned out that I have P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue.”
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 the non-Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis.
“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 35 radiation treatments.
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.)
COLORECTAL CANCER DIAGNOSES SOAR AMONG YOUNGER ADULTS FOR ONE KEY REASON
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,” Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News Digital. “It can metastasize, but the prognosis is 80% to 90% curable if it’s HPV-related.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
George Semeniuk, M.D., a medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope in Newport Beach, California, agreed that tongue cancer is one of the fastest-rising head and neck cancers doctors are seeing.
“Early detection is critical,” he told Fox News Digital.
Warning signs and risk factors
Some of the earliest warning signs of tongue cancer include a persistent sore or ulcer on the tongue, pain when swallowing, a lump or changes in speech, according to Semeniuk.
“Anything that lasts longer than two weeks should be 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.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
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 are tobacco 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 or poor oral hygiene may 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.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Treatment depends on the stage and location of the tumor, but often involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and, in more advanced cases, chemotherapy or targeted therapies,” Semeniuk said.
“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)
Siegel noted that tongue cancer tumors tend to be more responsive to surgical resection, radiation and chemotherapy.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“Prognosis is significantly better when tongue cancer is diagnosed early. If detected at an early stage, cure rates can be quite high,” Semeniuk told Fox News Digital.
“That’s why it’s so important for people to pay attention to changes in their mouth and seek care promptly. Regular dental visits and HPV vaccination are also important steps in lowering risk.”
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Taking a GLP-1 medication for weight loss may improve male fertility, according to experts.
Research presented this week at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, explored how obesity is strongly linked to fertility problems in men.
Excess weight can contribute to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis — the hormone system that regulates testosterone production — and functional hypogonadism, a condition in which testosterone levels are abnormally low because of disrupted hormone signaling. These changes can also impair semen quality.
WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS COULD IMPACT SEXUAL HEALTH IN UNEXPECTED WAYS
The researchers evaluated how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs impact reproductive hormones and metabolic outcomes, analyzing data of men between the ages of 18 and 65 who were taking one of the medications, according to a press release.
The systematic review of five randomized controlled trials focused on measuring testosterone, brain hormones involved in testosterone and sperm production, and a protein that carries sex hormones in the blood. Semen quality, weight and BMI, cholesterol and blood sugar were also measured.
Men with obesity and low testosterone linked to obesity may experience improved testosterone, sperm quality and metabolic heath while taking a GLP-1, the study found. (iStock)
The results suggested that GLP-1 medications do not suppress male hormones. Men with obesity and low testosterone linked to obesity may experience improved testosterone, sperm quality and metabolic health, especially during weight loss.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
In one four-week study, dulaglutide showed no significant changes in reproductive hormones or sexual function.
In a separate 16-week trial, liraglutide improved hormones in obese men with functional hypogonadism, meaning low testosterone was likely related to obesity. The review found that liraglutide was better for health outcomes than hormone replacement therapy.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Another liraglutide study reported improved sperm concentration and count.
The study authors concluded that GLP-1s “do not appear to acutely suppress the male HPG axis and may improve reproductive hormones and semen parameters in obese hypogonadal men, largely within the context of weight loss.” (iStock)
A 24-week trial of semaglutide, known commercially as Ozempic and Wegovy, saw improvement in sperm shape and bad cholesterol, while preserving total testosterone.
As only five trials were included, the small evidence base suggests more research is necessary to prove further association.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
In an abstract of the research, the authors summed up that GLP-1s “do not appear to acutely suppress the male HPG axis and may improve reproductive hormones and semen parameters in obese hypogonadal men, largely within the context of weight loss.”
“However, evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, underscoring the need for larger RCTs explicitly powered to assess male reproductive outcomes,” they wrote.
“This provides early evidence that GLP-1 medications taken by obese men with hypogonadism/low testosterone (low T) improves testosterone levels,” one doctor said. (iStock)
Dr. Anthony Puopolo, men’s health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, reflected on these findings in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“This provides early evidence that GLP-1 medications taken by obese men with hypogonadism/low testosterone (low T) improves testosterone levels,” he said.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
While more research is necessary, Pupolo, who was not involved in the study, shared his optimism about how GLP-1s can play a role in improving male fertility.
“If this finding continues to gain evidence, GLP-1s might be a better option for low T than testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in obese men – as GLP-1 medications preserve fertility, whereas TRT tends to be harmful to male reproductive/sperm function,” he added.
Health
Measles-infected traveler may have exposed passengers at LAX and nearby hotel, health officials warn
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A traveler infected with measles may have exposed passengers at Los Angeles International Airport and guests at a nearby hotel after arriving in Los Angeles County earlier this month, health officials said Wednesday.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it is investigating a confirmed measles case involving a traveler who arrived aboard Cathay Pacific Flight CX 884 on June 11. The traveler was infectious while passing through Los Angeles County, potentially exposing others at LAX and the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel.
The case marks the sixth measles infection reported in Los Angeles County this year. Health officials said the risk of exposure could increase as summer travel ramps up and Los Angeles welcomes international visitors for FIFA World Cup events being held in the region.
MEASLES CASES CONFIRMED AT FOUR MAJOR US AIRPORTS ACROSS COUNTRY AMID PEAK HOLIDAY TRAVEL
A 3D illustration shows measles virus particles. (iStock)
According to health officials, anyone who was at the Tom Bradley International Terminal between 10 a.m. and noon on June 11 may have been exposed. Officials also identified a potential exposure at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel, located at 5711 W. Century Blvd., between 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. that same day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with local health departments to notify passengers who were seated near the infected traveler on the international flight.
People who were at either location during the listed times could develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after exposure, officials said. The last day to monitor for symptoms is July 2.
AT LEAST 46 CHILDREN DEAD AMID MEASLES OUTBREAK AS VIRUS SPREADS GLOBALLY
Los Angeles International Airport is seen in Los Angeles, California. Health officials said a traveler infected with measles may have exposed passengers at LAX on June 11. (Michael Yanow/NurPhoto)
“As measles cases increase, it is important that residents take steps to make sure they are fully protected,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said. “The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community.”
Travelers exit a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles on Monday, March 23, 2026. (Ethan Swope/AP Photo)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for additional comment but did not receive a response.
-
Cleveland, OH6 minutes agoCleveland Cavaliers Have Three Clear Options With No. 29 Pick in NBA Draft
-
Austin, TX9 minutes agoThe Biggest Mistake National Media Is Making About The Texas Longhorns
-
Alabama14 minutes agoAlabama’s SEC opponents revealed for 2026-27 season
-
Alaska15 minutes agoAnchorage celebrates Juneteenth with 3-day community event downtown
-
Arizona21 minutes agoTroopers arrest ‘LARPer’ who was running late for competition in northern Arizona
-
Arkansas24 minutes agoJoshua Harris tackles “American Ninja Warrior” and Arkansas health problems
-
California29 minutes agoSmoke advisory issued Saturday as Boyle Heights fire continues
-
Colorado36 minutes agoSouthern Colorado man launches community wildflower project
