The Pitt actor Moshe Kasher reveals tonsil cancer diagnosis after major five-hour surgery - What we know

Comedian, writer and actor Moshe Kasher has revealed that he was diagnosed with Stage 1 tonsil cancer after discovering a lump while working on an upcoming film project, sharing details of what he described as a frightening and life-altering medical ordeal.

The Pitt actor Moshe Kasher diagnosed with tonsil cancer

Kasher, known for his stand-up comedy work and his recent role in the medical drama The Pitt, disclosed the diagnosis in an Instagram post published on 21 June.

The 46-year-old said he first noticed a problem around three months ago while in Savannah, Georgia, producing The Comeback King, an upcoming project directed by filmmaker Judd Apatow and starring Glen Powell.

According to Kasher, doctors subsequently diagnosed him with HPV-positive tonsi cancer, a form of the cancer linked to the human papillomavirus. Medical experts have noted previously that HPV-related cancers of the tonsils and throat have become increasingly common in recent decades, particularly amongst younger adults.

The actor mention he underwent extensive surgery on 19 June to remove the cancerous tissue. Describing the procedure in graphic terms, Kasher wrote that the doctors ‘yanked my jaw open’, cut out the cancerous areas, ‘and then slit my throar and dissected my neck’.

He added that the operation left him with a ‘hardcore neck scar which will make people reluctant to street fight me’. He added how ‘my tongue was clamped and yanked out of my mouth and is so swollen and bruised’.

Kasher also said that the surgery lasted approximately for five hours and was performed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles. Despite the severity of the operation, he struck an optimistic tone about his prognosis, nothing that doctors have informed him that he form of cancer has a cure rate of around 95 per cent.

He also added that he will find out next week if he needs radiation therapy or not.

The comedian also reflected on the emotional impact of the diagnosis, describing it as one of the most difficult periods of his life. He thanked his family members, friends, colleagues, the healthcare personnel at Cedars for their constant care and support.

For Judd Apatow, he wrote, “Judd could not have been a more kind, supportive and nurturing friend all while on the verge of a five hour energy overdose from his terrifying habit.”

Kasher, who is married to fellow comedian Natasha Leggero and has a daughter with her, used his announcement to spread and encourage greater awareness of HPV-related cancers and the importance of vaccination and regular health checks.

At the end, he wrote that he remains focused on recovery and is awaiting further guidance as doctors determine the next stage of his treatment.