Taste Disturbance
Date issued: July 2024
Review date: July 2026
Ref. A-320/Maxillofacial/SC/Taste Disturbance v4
PDF: Taste Disturbance.pdf[pdf] 96KB
Taste Disturbance and Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy/Chemotherapy
There are over 10,000 taste buds in the mouth. They can be found on the surface of the tongue, soft palate, uvula, pharynx, upper third of the oesophagus, epiglottis, larynx, lips and cheeks. A collection of 50-100 cells form a gustatory cell which contains the taste receptor. These gustatory cells are short lived and replaced frequently and easily damaged.
There are five taste qualities: bitter, salt, sour, sweet and umami.
Reasons for disturbance in taste:
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Smoking
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Medication
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Age
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Zinc deficiency
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Anorexia
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Weight loss
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Radiotherapy
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Chemotherapy
Many people have taste disturbances prior to radiotherapy but almost all after radiotherapy.
How long will this last?
Subtle disturbances can start in the first week of radiotherapy with effects definitely felt at 3-4 weeks. This is caused by damage to the taste buds, salivary glands or an oral infection.
Improvements to taste can occur within 4 weeks post radiotherapy. It is likely to be slow, intermittent and sporadic, with not all taste qualities returning together. Some patients report taste disturbances over a number of months and occasionally years. Patients undergoing chemotherapy can have a metallic taste in their mouth. Disturbances can occur with all foods or just certain types of food.
