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Constant taste of salt with radiotherapy treatment

Marie T
  • 1 reply
  • 32 subscribers
  • 117 views

My son is in his 5th week of radiotherapy for saliva gland cancer 8 more treatments to go.  The bad taste is becoming more intense and the salt taste is a constant, not only when eating, it is there all the time and seems worse during the night.  It is this taste that cause’s sickness, he’s lost a stone in weight and was lean before the treatment. As the salty taste seems to be worse at night when laying down, I wondered if acid reflux could be part of the cause and  if it might help to take Lanzoprazole?

  • Hello Marie T

     

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Karen and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.  

     

    I’m sorry to hear your son is experiencing some sickness and weight loss because of a constant salty bad taste that is becoming more intense. This must be difficult for him and worrying for you both.

     

    There are some common side effects from radiotherapy to the head and neck area. For example, it isn’t unusual to lose your sense of taste or find everything tastes the same. The taste is usually quite metallic or salty. Your son's sense of taste should recover, but it may take many months for this to happen. Your son is having many weeks of treatment and these side effects can get worse before they get better and can continue for some weeks after the treatment has finished.

     

    We always advise with any new or worsening symptoms that your son informs his treatment team as soon as possible. They will be able to advise and will be best placed to recommend what may help to reduce or manage these effects. They will also be able to advise or refer your son to a dietician for advice on managing his weight loss.

     

    In the meantime, this information on tips for managing mouth and taste problems from cancer treatment may be helpful. It’s important to discuss with your son’s hospital team, in the first instance.  

     

    Your son may wish to have a look at our online community Head and Neck Cancer Forum where people with a similar diagnosis share experiences and emotional support, discuss cancer treatment, side effects and more. There is also a Friends and Family Forum that you may want to have a look at yourself for support.

     

    If you or your son have further questions or want to talk through, please don’t hesitate to call us on our support line.

     

    I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, the Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support.

     

    Best wishes

     

    Karen, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/KHe/BS

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