Biological Effects of Radiation
Taste Buds

Taste buds are located on the circumvallate and fungiform papillae of the tongue and to a lesser extent on the tonsillar pillars, base of the tongue, soft palate, pharynx and larynx.¹³ Hypogeusia - reduced ability or ageusia - loss of ability to taste sweet, sour, bitter, or salty substances is an early and frequent complaint associated with head and neck radiotherapy.¹³ Histologically, taste buds show signs of atrophy at 10 Gy and at tumoricidal doses the buds may be virtually obliterated.

Taste acuity may be decreased by a factor of 1,000 to 10,000 as a result of direct radiation damage to the taste buds and/or secondary to impaired salivary function and mucositis.¹³ Perception of acid and bitter is affected early, whereas sweet and salt acuity are affected as treatment continues. Restoration of taste sensation usually occurs within 2-4 months following radiotherapy; however, some patients may experience life-long alteration in or loss of taste perception.¹³