This can lead to further issues popping up, including open wounds and sores, which can also occur in the mouth.Īdditionally, chemo mouth is not only limited to chemotherapy people have experienced similar side effects when radiation therapy is applied to the head or neck. While chemotherapy is essential to fighting cancer cells, your immune system is already impaired and sometimes good cells are targeted as well. On top of experiencing changes in how food tastes, certain chemotherapy drugs can also lead to mouth sores.
These taste variances may be gradual or happen all at once, lasting anywhere from hours to days, weeks, or even months. On top of these medications, certain antibiotics and opioid-based pain relievers, such as morphine, have also been reported as causing potential taste bud-affecting side effects.Ĭhanges in the patient’s palete can occur as early as the first chemo session or possibly even after the first few. However frustrating the side effects may be, keep in mind these medications are extremely potent and designed to fight any signs of cancer in your body.