Confocal microscopy of the Peripheral Gustatory System: Comparison between Healthy Subjects and Patients Suffering from Taste Disorders during Radiochemotherapy

Abstract

In conclusion, in RCT patients with taste disorders, LSM indicates changes of epithelia of fungiform papilla but no changes of the taste bud structure. Damage of the chorda tympani nerve by scattered rays, direct or indirect mucotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents, and covering of taste pores by epithelial cells are likely reasons for taste loss during RCT.