Former 'Real Housewives of Orange County' star diagnosed with tongue cancer

Jeana Keough, a former cast member of "The Real Housewives of Orange County," has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, her daughter Kara Keough Bosworth and son Shane Keough said. Keough Bosworth shared the news in a joint Instagram post over the weekend. The post included a photo of Keough and directed followers to a fundraising page.

treatment On the fundraising page, Keough Bosworth said a biopsy confirmed the cancer after Keough reported a painful spot on her tongue. An initial surgery removed the cancer, but a second procedure to remove lymph nodes showed the cancer had spread.

Keough is now receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Keough Bosworth wrote that her mother is exhausted, struggles to stay awake, and has difficulty swallowing due to pain in her tongue and throat. "Every day is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment," Keough Bosworth wrote.

Bosworth, who lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with her husband, said the distance has left her feeling "painfully helpless." She said she and her brothers want to ensure their mother feels cared for during treatment. Funds raised will cover medical expenses, living costs, nutrition, and additional support.

Keough appeared on "The Real Housewives of Orange County" from seasons 1 through 5. She has also acted in films including "Up the Creek," "10 to Midnight," and "History of the World, Part I," and in episodes of "The A-Team," "St. " Andy Cohen, an executive producer for the "Real Housewives" franchise, said on his Sirius XM radio show Monday that he is "sending all my love to the Keoughs" and wishing Keough strength.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of oral cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that oral and throat cancers are most often diagnosed in older adults and that risk factors include alcohol and tobacco use.