The “Full House” star shares a new health setback just months after being declared cancer-free, emphasizing his latest diagnosis is completely unrelated.

A New Diagnosis Surfaces

December 2, 2025: Actor Dave Coulier has revealed he is battling p16-positive squamous cell carcinoma at the base of his tongue — a form of tongue cancer discovered during a routine PET scan. The unexpected diagnosis arrived only months after he celebrated remission from stage-3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Coulier stated that this new cancer is “totally unrelated” to his previous lymphoma diagnosis, making the news even more shocking for him and his loved ones. Doctors confirmed the malignancy after biopsy results and follow-up imaging highlighted the suspicious growth.

From Remission to Radiation

Earlier this year, Coulier announced he was cancer-free after an exhausting but successful chemotherapy regimen for lymphoma. The victory lifted his spirits and offered a renewed sense of hope.

However, the recent scans changed everything. His medical team has now recommended a course of 35 radiation treatments, set to continue through December 31, 2025. Specialists note that this specific type of tongue cancer, when detected early, generally carries a strong prognosis — but the treatment process can still be taxing, both physically and emotionally.

The Unexpected Nature of the New Threat

Coulier’s doctors believe the tongue cancer may be tied to a past HPV infection, a common cause of p16-positive oropharyngeal cancers. The actor said he had no symptoms, and the cancer was only caught thanks to ongoing monitoring after his lymphoma battle.

He described the moment he learned the news as “a shock to the system,” acknowledging that enduring two unrelated cancers within a single year has been an overwhelming experience.

Holding On to Hope Amid the Hardship

Despite the challenges, Coulier remains determined. He has openly discussed the difficult side effects of radiation, including nausea, facial pain, and what he calls “radiation brain.” Still, he maintains a hopeful outlook and thanks his medical team for spotting the cancer early.

He also expressed deep gratitude for his family’s support during both diagnoses, recognizing how taxing the journey has been for those close to him.

Why His Story Resonates

Coulier’s experience highlights the unpredictable nature of cancer and the importance of follow-up care, even after remission. His story serves as a reminder that screenings and routine scans can save lives by detecting silent cancers before symptoms appear.

For fans and supporters, his openness offers a powerful message about resilience — showing that even in the face of repeated health struggles, strength, vulnerability, and optimism can coexist as part of the healing process.