Does radiation treatment cause loss of taste or bad taste in mouth?

Taste changes are a common side effect that many people experience during radiation therapy, even when treatment is focused on areas like the chest. The radiation can affect taste buds and saliva production, leading to metallic tastes, reduced flavor sensation, or generally unpleasant tastes that can make eating challenging. These changes are typically temporary and often improve gradually after treatment ends, though recovery time varies for each person.

Yes. The radiologist may deny it, but yes. Mine was metallic in taste.