Overview

Radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy affect the sense of taste and smell. This may further cause loss of appetite and weight loss and even malnutrition. All these affect the quality of life.

Cancer and cancer treatment affect the sense of taste and smell. Many cancer patients suffer from taste and smell changes as a side effect of cancer itself or cancer treatment.

Causes of taste and smell change in cancer patients

• Certain tumors in the head and neck
• Certain chemotherapy and targeted therapy
• Radiation therapy on the head and neck
• Mouth sores and dryness as a side effect of cancer treatment affects the sense of taste
• Certain non-cancer medication

Sign and symptoms of taste and smell changes in cancer patients

Changes in taste and smell may result in weight loss. The given sign and symptoms usually go away after the treatment is complete. In some situations, the problem may last for a long time.

Some of the sign and symptoms of taste and smell changes are –

• Les s sense of smell or something may smell too strong
• Bitter or metallic taste in the mouth
• Loss of taste or food taste too salty or sweet
• Sensing different smell and something smells too strong

Effect of cancer treatment on taste and smell

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy on the head or neck adversely affects the taste buds. It changes the sense of taste, smell, and the way you feel food.

Chemotherapy

The therapy kills or slows the growth of cancer cells. Along with cancer cells, healthy cells of taste and smell are also damaged.

Surgery

Surgery of the mouth and nose affects the change in taste and smell in cancer patients.

Ways to manage taste and smell changes in cancer patients

There is no specific solution for problems related to change in taste and smell in cancer patients. However, some given tips below can help manage the problem related to change in taste and smell.

• Increase intake of fluid
• Do not eat few hours before and after chemotherapy
• Maintain oral hygiene, it helps eliminate bad taste
• Flavor the food with herbs and spices
• Avoid smoking
• Try different foods when taste changes
• If certain protein-rich foods taste unpleasant, replace them with another source of proteins
• Do not eat in a warm room and congested room
• Avoid eating strong-smelling foods such as onion and garlic
• Take small sips with a straw
• Avoid eating the food you like during chemotherapy
• Prefer cold food or foods at room temperature over hot and strong-smelling foods

About Mozocare

Mozocare is a medical access platform for hospitals and clinics to assist patients to access the best medical care at affordable prices. It offers medical information, medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, laboratory consumables, and other allied services.

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