Cancercells may cause body odors, but not odors that most people will notice.
This article discusses why cancer has an odor and how it can be detected.
It will also discuss changes in body odors from the cancer treatment itself.
Westend61 / Getty Images
Westend61 / Getty Images
What Causes Cancer Odors?
Scientists are still trying to determine exactly what causes cancer to have a smell.
These VOCs are byproducts of some biological processes in the body.
One of the VOCs that may produce a scent is polyamine.
This compound is often produced at higher levels in cells that are dividing quickly, which cancer cells do.
Polyamines can be detected in the blood and urine of people with cancer.
The infection that results can then cause a foul odor.
There may be odors associated with colon cancer.
Can Body Odors Help Diagnose Cancer?
It’s well known that dogs have an incredible sense of smell.
In one study, dogs were provided with urine and breath samples.
How Does Cancer Treatment Cause Body Odors?
The sense of smell may be more sensitive to people undergoing cancer treatments also.
Strong odors, such as those in foods, are especially offensive.
Sometimes people are so sensitive to smell, they become easily nauseated.
Causes
Side effects ofchemotherapycan lead to alterations in the senses of taste and smell.
This is a common side effect of many chemotherapy medications and regimens used to treat many types of cancer.
Another side effect of chemotherapy can be dry mouth.
People may also develop bad breath if they have nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
Sometimes medications can be given, such as antibiotics, to help decrease the odor.
Practicing proper skin hygiene can help you avoid infection, and subsequently, foul odor.
Yet, this isn’t the standard of care and more research needs to be done.
2019;11(9):1244.
Soda K.The mechanisms by which polyamines accelerate tumor spread.Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research.
2011;30(1):95.
2021;21(1):917.
American Cancer Society.Taste and Smell Changes.
American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy Safety.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Chemotherapy’s effects on organs and body systems.
