Home > Encyclopedia of Cancer > Taste Alteration

Description

Taste alteration refers to a decrease in the ability to taste foods (hypogeusia), changes in how food tastes (dysgeusia), or the complete loss of the ability to taste foods (ageusia). It also refers to the presence of a metallic or medicine-like taste in the mouth. Taste alterations may occur as a result of cancer treatment, infection within the mouth, or the cancer itself.

Taste alteration can have a significant effect on the nutritional status of a cancer patient. Patients with taste alteration may avoid certain foods, lose their appetite (anorexia), and lose weight. Eating can be a chore when the patient also has a dry mouth (xerostomia) or a mouth infection, such as