Health
Does Lymphoma Raise Tongue Cancer Risk?
Health Points
- Lymphoma itself does not directly cause tongue cancer.
- People who have had lymphoma face a higher risk of developing new, unrelated cancers, including oral cancers.
- Shared risk factors, such as immune system suppression and certain infections, may contribute to the link.
Dave Coulier, known from ‘Full House,’ recently shared his diagnosis of HPV-related tongue cancer about a year after treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
While lymphoma doesn’t directly lead to head and neck cancers, survivors are more likely to develop second primary cancers due to treatment effects and shared risks.
“Evidence does not show having lymphoma causes head and neck cancers. The most common risk factors for head and neck cancer include smoking, heavy alcohol use, HPV infection, and being immunocompromised.”
This increased likelihood has been observed especially in those who have received certain treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or stem cell transplants, which may weaken the immune system.
Lymphoma survivors should be proactive about their health and consult their healthcare providers for personalized advice on monitoring potential risks.
To learn more about cancer risks and prevention strategies, read the full article at Health.com.