Pancreatic cancer starts in the tissues of the pancreas. This type of cancer often goes unnoticed until it’s advanced due to its subtle symptoms.
Common symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain that radiates to the back, and digestive issues. Other signs might be new-onset diabetes and changes in the stool.
Pancreatic cancer progresses quickly and can easily spread to nearby organs. Early detection is difficult which makes it crucial to be aware of symptoms and risk factors.
When it comes to treatment, options vary depending on the stage of the cancer. However, they may include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. On this page, we explain the changes in taste that may come with pancreatic cancer.
Does your Taste Change with Pancreatic Cancer?
The answer is yes, it often does. Pancreatic cancer can cause noticeable changes in how food tastes and smells.
You might find that the four basic tastes—salty, sweet, bitter, and sour—are affected. For example, meats may start to taste bitter, sweets might become too sweet, and some foods may taste overly salty or metallic. In some cases, foods may lose their taste entirely.
The reasons behind these taste changes are not fully understood. However, they are particularly common during certain chemotherapy treatments.
While taste may improve between chemotherapy cycles, it can also persist throughout the treatment period. After surgery, it can take several weeks for the taste to normalize.
It is also worth noting that medications added to your treatment plan can further alter your taste perception. Pancreatic cancer can also be associated with changes in smell.
Sometimes, it may lead to bad breath, also known as halitosis. These sensory changes can impact your overall eating experience and make it challenging to enjoy food as you used to.
Dry mouth, a common side effect of both cancer and its treatments, can also affect how food tastes. When your mouth is dry, it can alter the way flavors are perceived and further contribute to the changes in taste.
How to Manage Taste Changes that Come with Pancreatic Cancer?
Managing taste changes that come with pancreatic cancer can be challenging. Luckily, there are a few adjustments you can make to improve your condition. Here are a few tips on how to deal with taste changes that are linked to pancreatic cancer;
- Rinse or Clean Your Mouth before Eating: A non-alcohol mouth rinse can refresh your palate and enhance your taste perception. This simple step can make a significant difference in how food tastes. So, try rinsing your mouth before meals to remove any lingering flavors and create a clean slate for your taste buds.
- Add Strong Seasonings: Incorporate strong seasonings, such as herbs, spices, lemon, or lime juice, into your meals. These bold flavors can help mask unpleasant tastes and make food more enjoyable. To find what works for you, you may want to experiment with different combinations.
- Try Cold or Warm Foods Instead of Hot Foods: Hot foods may intensify taste changes and make them less palatable. Instead of hot foods, try eating cold or warm foods. These temperature adjustments can help reduce strong or unpleasant tastes and in the process make meals more enjoyable.
- Try Herbal Teas, Fruit Juices, or Fizzy Drinks: If tea and coffee taste strange, consider switching to herbal teas, fruit juices, or fizzy drinks. These alternatives can provide refreshing and enjoyable flavors that might be more appealing. Keep a variety of options on hand to discover what you like best.
- Stay Hydrated and Keep Your Mouth Clean: Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for maintaining overall health. And the best part is that it can also help manage taste changes. Keep your mouth and tongue clean by brushing regularly to prevent buildup and improve taste perception.
- Use Plastic or Wooden Utensils: Metal utensils can sometimes alter the taste of food. Try using plastic or wooden spoons for cooking and eating. This change in utensils can prevent metallic tastes and enhance your eating experience.
- Check for Oral Thrush: Oral thrush is a common issue for people with pancreatic cancer. It can cause taste changes and sickness so ask your doctor or nurse to check for this condition, as it is usually easy to treat. Managing oral thrush can significantly improve your sense of taste.
- Experiment with Different Foods and Textures: Taste changes can vary. So, it’s important to experiment with different foods and textures. You might find that certain foods are more palatable than others. Don’t be afraid to try new recipes or revisit foods you haven’t enjoyed in a while; your tastes might have changed.
- Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of having three large meals a day, try eating smaller, more frequent meals. This can help you manage taste changes and ensure you’re getting enough nutrients without feeling overwhelmed by food.
- Stay Positive and Patient: Managing taste changes can be frustrating, but it’s important to stay positive and patient. Taste changes can fluctuate, and what doesn’t taste good today might be more enjoyable tomorrow. Keep an open mind and continue experimenting with different strategies.
The Bottom Line
Pancreatic cancer can cause a wide variety of changes in taste in your mouth. While these changes can sometimes be difficult to deal with, there are ways to manage them.
A good pancreatic care team will be able to come up with a tailored program to manage your condition. To find a good team, consider experience with working with a diagnosis like yours, having a multidisciplinary team, use of informed treatment decisions. They should also have patient-focused programs like pain management, psychosocial support, and more
Do you have taste changes that you suspect could be associated with pancreatic cancer? Please give us a visit today to discuss your risk factors and arrange for your assessment. You can also give us a call to plan for your appointment. See details below;
Dr. Lee Chin Li-Lee Surgery and Endoscopy | Colorectal Surgery | Gallbladder Surgery Singapore
6 Napier Rd, #04-16 Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Singapore 258499
