Since starting breast cancer treatment, have you noticed an unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth at times? Many MyBCTeam members have reported this sensation, including some who say they notice it after lymphatic drainage massage, also called manual lymphatic drainage. This is a type of massage that may be used to help manage lymphedema, a type of swelling caused by lymph fluid buildup.

In this article, we’ll explore how a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth may be related to breast cancer treatment, whether there’s evidence of a connection between lymphatic drainage massage and this symptom, and what you can do to manage taste changes.

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs that help the body fight infection and filter lymph fluid, a clear fluid that moves through the lymphatic system. Many people have lymph nodes removed as part of breast cancer staging and treatment. The lymphatic system helps collect and carry lymph fluid through the body.

🗳️ Have you experienced a metallic taste while living with breast cancer?

Yes, mainly during breast cancer treatment

Yes, mainly after lymphatic drainage massage

Yes, mainly at other times

No, I haven’t experienced a metallic taste.

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When lymph nodes are removed from the armpit or damaged by surgery or radiation therapy, lymph fluid may not drain as well as it did before. This can cause fluid to build up in the arm, hand, breast, or chest on the side of treatment. This swelling is called lymphedema. Lymphedema is often chronic (long-term), but it can be managed and sometimes improved with specialized treatment.

What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is one method for managing symptoms of lymphedema. This type of massage is usually performed by a trained lymphedema therapist or another healthcare professional with special training. Some people may also be taught simplified lymphatic massage techniques they can do at home.

Manual lymphatic drainage uses gentle massage to help move lymph fluid away from swollen areas and toward lymph vessels and lymph nodes that are working well. This helps improve drainage and may help reduce swelling and other symptoms of lymphedema. The technique supports the natural movement of lymph fluid throughout the affected part of the body and the rest of your lymphatic system.

Reasons To Avoid Lymphatic Drainage Massage

However, lymphatic drainage massage isn’t safe for everyone. Avoid this massage and contact your healthcare team if you have signs of infection, such as pain, fever, skin color changes, swelling, or skin that feels warm. If you have an infection, this technique may make it worse or cause it to spread.

Unless your doctor says it’s safe, you should also avoid lymphatic drainage massage if you have:

• Untreated or uncontrolled congestive heart failure
• Kidney failure
• A suspected or confirmed blood clot

Is Metallic Taste Related to Lymphatic Drainage Massage?

Scientists haven’t clearly established whether lymphatic drainage massage can cause a metallic taste in people with breast cancer. This means it’s hard to know exactly which symptoms, if any, may be related to the massage itself.

However, some MyBCTeam members have reported developing a metallic taste in their mouths after receiving a lymphatic drainage massage.

One MyBCTeam member shared, “I completed chemo more than three months ago, and radiation last month. I still have this bitter taste in my mouth, which gets more intense after a massage. Any suggestions?”

“I completed chemo more than three months ago, and radiation last month. I still have this bitter taste in my mouth, which gets more intense after a massage.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Another member wondered about what happens when the taste gets worse after massage therapy, saying, “If it’s worse after a massage, that means they’re pushing it out through the lymphatic system. I would talk to your massage therapist about it. They may be able to help you ‘flush’ it out!”

Some practitioners of alternative medicine use terms such as “healing crisis” or “detox reaction” to describe flu-like symptoms or other changes after massage or bodywork. The theory is that these symptoms happen when the body releases harmful substances faster than it can clear them.

However, this theory isn’t supported by strong scientific evidence. Manual lymphatic drainage is an established treatment for some types of lymphedema, but claims that it “detoxes” the body or flushes out harmful substances are not well supported.

So far, there’s no scientific evidence showing a direct connection between lymphatic drainage massage and metallic taste. If you notice a metallic or bitter taste after massage, let your healthcare team know — especially if the taste is new, getting worse, or making it hard to eat or drink.

“Eight days since my last chemo treatment, still waiting on the metallic taste to leave my mouth.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Metallic Taste Unrelated to Breast Cancer Treatment

It’s also possible to develop a metallic taste unrelated to breast cancer treatment. Here are a few potential causes of this symptom:

• Medications, such as metformin, certain antibiotics, or some blood pressure drugs
• Diabetes
• Problems with the liver or kidneys
• Oral health problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, or a dental infection
• Multivitamins and supplements
• Sinus infections or other airway infections
• Food allergies
• Changes in taste or smell after COVID-19

One MyBCTeam member who had previously reported a metallic taste followed up, writing: “I found a crown that had metal showing. I got that filled, and went to an internist for postnasal drainage, which was causing the metal taste too! So Femara didn’t cause it.”

“I found a crown that had metal showing. I got that filled, and went to internist for postnasal drainage, which was causing the metal taste too! So Femara didn’t cause it.”

— A MyBCTeam member

How To Manage Metallic Taste

Taste changes, including a metallic taste, are a common and frustrating side effect of breast cancer treatment. While this sensation can be disruptive to your daily life, it’s often temporary and usually isn’t harmful. However, tell your healthcare team if taste changes make it hard to eat or drink enough.

If you’re experiencing this symptom, here are some tips that may help:

• Suck on ice chips between bites to numb your taste buds.
• Choose foods carefully, avoiding bitter foods or canned food that may taste metallic.
• Before eating, rinse your mouth with salt water, baking soda water, tea, or ginger ale.
• Brush your teeth and tongue, floss, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash regularly to clear any residual food and bacteria.
• Stay hydrated.

Member Recommendations for Managing Metallic Taste

One member shared how they reduce metallic taste: “Be sure you’re really well hydrated. Drink way more water than you’re thirsty for. I also like to have some electrolyte drinks.”

Note that, while it’s important to stay well-hydrated, you should follow your healthcare provider’s instructions if you have any health condition that might mean you need to restrict your fluid intake.

Another member shared, “I got the metallic taste — so gross. I used flavor drops in my water to help make it palatable.”

Talk to Your Doctor

It’s important to call your oncologist if you’re experiencing new or worsening side effects, or if the metallic taste gets worse or continues long after your treatment has ended.

Before seeing a massage therapist for lymphatic drainage after breast cancer surgery, talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.

If you notice a metallic taste directly after lymphatic drainage massage, keep a journal noting when it happens, how long it lasts, what you ate or drank beforehand, and any other symptoms you notice. This can help your doctor figure out what’s going on and help you find ways to manage your symptoms.

Join the Conversation

On MyBCTeam, people share their experiences with breast cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What has lymphatic drainage massage been like for you? Let others know in the comments below.