Former 'Real Housewives of Orange County' star diagnosed with tongue cancer
Former "Real Housewives of Orange County" star Jeana Keough has been diagnosed with a type of tongue cancer, according to her daughter Kara Keough Bosworth and son Shane Keough.
Keough Bosworth shared the news in a joint Instagram post with her brother over the weekend. The post included a photo of Jeana Keough with a photo directing followers to a fundraising page and more details about her mother's condition.
On the fundraising website, Keough Bosworth said her mother had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, and that it had been discovered after a biopsy.
Keough Bosworth said her mother initially told her she had a painful spot on her tongue that she believed at the time may have been caused by a tooth rubbing against it. She said doctors later discovered it was cancer.
After an initial surgery to remove the cancer, Keough Bosworth said doctors recommended a second surgical procedure to remove Jeana Keough's lymph nodes, at which point they discovered the cancer had spread.
Jeana Keough is currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, her daughter said.
"She is exhausted, struggling to stay awake, and becoming malnourished because the pain in her tongue and throat makes swallowing even the smallest bites or sips incredibly difficult," Keough Bosworth wrote. "Every day is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment."
Keough Bosworth, who lives with her husband, former NFL player Kyle Bosworth, in Jacksonville, Florida, added that living across the country from her mother has left her feeling "painfully helpless."
"With no direct flights between us, we've often wished we could simply be there to help with the everyday things that become overwhelming during cancer treatment," she wrote. "My brothers and I want to help make sure Mom feels cared for, loved, and supported throughout this fight."
Any funds raised will go toward her mother's expenses, everyday living costs, nutrition, and the additional support she needs while undergoing treatment, Keough Bosworth wrote.
Jeana Keough is known for being part of the original cast of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" from seasons 1-5.
She is also an actress and has appeared in films including "Up the Creek," "10 to Midnight," "Double Exposure," "History of the World, Part I" and more. She appeared in a handful of TV episodes on shows including "The A-Team," "St. Elsewhere" and "Cheers."
ABC News has reached out to Bravo for comment.
Andy Cohen, an executive producer for the "Real Housewives" franchise, addressed news of Jeana Keough's cancer diagnosis in an episode of his Sirius XM radio show on Monday, saying, "I'm just sending all my love to the Keoughs. Jeana not only has always been so kind, but she's a very strong woman, and I am wishing her a lot of strength as she goes through this."
What is squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue?
According to the National Cancer Institute, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral cancer.
Oral cavity and pharynx (throat) cancers are primarily diagnosed in older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and common risk factors include alcohol and tobacco use.
The CDC states that symptoms of these cancers can include a sore that does not heal, swelling or unusual bleeding, pain in the mouth or throat that won't go away, and difficulty performing daily functions like breathing, speaking, chewing or swallowing food.
Treatment for oral cavity and pharynx cancers can include surgery and chemotherapy, the agency states.
