Dave Coulier Announces New Cancer Diagnosis After Lymphoma Battle

Dave Coulier, best known for his role in the television series *Full House*, has revealed a new health challenge following his previous battle with cancer. In an interview on *Today* on December 2, 2023, the 66-year-old actor disclosed that he has been diagnosed with oropharyngeal tongue cancer, just six months after successfully overcoming non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Coulier described the latest diagnosis as a “shock to the system.” He explained, “To go through chemotherapy and feel that relief of, ‘Whoa, it’s gone,’ and then to get a test that says, ‘Well, now you’ve got another kind of cancer,’ is a shock.” The diagnosis of HPV-related tongue cancer came after a routine follow-up scan in October revealed a concerning growth.

He recounted that prior to the discovery, he had not experienced any symptoms. “A couple of months ago, I had a PET scan, and something flared on the scan,” Coulier said. “The doctor said, ‘We don’t know what it is, but there’s something at the base of your tongue.’”

During the initial biopsy, which Coulier described as very painful, no cancer cells were detected. “We thought, ‘This is great. We’re still not sure what it is, but there aren’t any cancer cells,’” he noted. However, a subsequent PET scan in October showed that the growth had increased in size, prompting further investigation by an ear, nose, and throat oncologist.

After conducting additional imaging tests and another biopsy, doctors confirmed the presence of cancerous cells, leading to a diagnosis of early-stage P16 carcinoma. This type of cancer, starting in the oropharynx, is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically HPV-16. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, a cancerous tumor can invade surrounding tissues and may spread to other body parts.

Coulier emphasized that this new cancer is unrelated to his earlier lymphoma diagnosis. “They said it’s totally unrelated to my non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This is a new cancer,” he recounted. Doctors informed him it could stem from an HPV infection he may have contracted up to 30 years ago. “A lot of people carry the HPV virus, but they said mine activated and turned into a carcinoma,” he explained.

Fortunately, Coulier received encouraging news about the treatability of his condition. “We found it early enough where it’s very treatable. It’s got a 90 percent curability rate,” he stated. He is currently undergoing radiation therapy, which consists of 35 treatments scheduled from Monday to Friday, continuing through to the end of the year. “It doesn’t feel as aggressive as chemotherapy, but there are still side effects,” he added, mentioning nausea and pain on the left side of his face.

Coulier reflected on the emotional impact of receiving two cancer diagnoses within a single year. “It’s psychological draining,” he acknowledged. He expressed concern for his wife, Melissa, noting that the situation has been challenging for both of them. Despite these difficulties, he remains optimistic, with doctors predicting a complete cure following his radiation therapy.

His final treatment is scheduled for December 31, 2023. “I get to start the new year saying, I finished radiation yesterday! It’s kind of serendipitous,” he remarked. Coulier also noted a silver lining to his experience, stating that his prior cancer diagnosis led to the discovery of the new one. “Had I not listened to my doctors and had that PET scan, we would have never found this carcinoma,” he said, highlighting the importance of regular medical check-ups.

In April 2023, Coulier celebrated the arrival of his first grandchild while also receiving news that he was cancer-free. He shared this momentous day on the podcast *How Rude, Tanneritos!* hosted by his former co-stars Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber, describing it as an incredible coincidence.

Coulier had previously opened up about the challenges of his non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, which he received in November 2024. He first noticed symptoms after a respiratory infection caused swelling in his lymph nodes. Within days of his diagnosis, he began treatment that included multiple surgeries and chemotherapy.

As he continues his current battle with cancer, Coulier’s resilience and positive outlook serve as a testament to his fighting spirit. His journey underscores the importance of vigilance in health matters and the ongoing fight against cancer.