Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by a wide range of factors: poor oral hygiene, gum disease, diet or medical conditions. You may wonder if certain serious illnesses, like cancer, have a distinct smell on the breath. So, what does cancer breath smell like?
While there is no single ‘cancer breath smell’. Some studies and anecdotal reports suggest that certain types of cancer can cause unusual changes in breath odor.
For example, lung cancer and oral cancers have been linked to persistent bad breath with a metallic, chemical-like or rotten smell. These odors may result from tissue breakdown, bacterial overgrowth in the mouth or metabolic changes in the body caused by the cancer.
Researchers have also found that volatile organic compounds, chemicals released in a person’s breath, can change in people with cancer. These changes are not usually detectable by humans but may be picked up by specially trained dogs or electronic ‘noses’ in experimental settings.
It’s important to note that bad breath alone is not a reliable sign of cancer. Many benign conditions can cause similar smells. If someone experiences persistent or unusual breath odor along with other symptoms: unexplained weight loss, chronic cough, mouth sores that don’t heal or difficulty swallowing. They should speak to a healthcare provider.
In summary, while some cancers may cause breath to smell unusual, this symptom by itself is not enough to diagnose cancer. It’s always best to consult a doctor for a proper evaluation.