Treatment-related dysgeusia in head and neck cancer patients

Abstract

Head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy agents may develop altered taste acuity. This, together with radiation induced xerostomia and dysphagia, is a major contributory factor to the anorexia and concomitant morbidity often seen in this group of patients. This paper examines the existing literature in order to assess the prevalence of clinician and patient-reported dysgeusia in HNC patients undergoing oncological treatment. We also describe the temporal manifestations of the same and its reported impact on QOL.

Keywords: Ageusia; Anorexia; Dysgeusia; Head and neck cancer; Oral cancer; Oropharyngeal cancer; Quality of life; Radiotherapy; Taste.