2. Altered Sense of Smell: The Unseen Symptom
Altered sense of smell may seem benign but could indicate ACC affecting the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. One may begin to notice that foods taste differently, or that they’re unable to detect certain odors altogether. An altered sense of smell can sneak up gradually, making it a symptom that’s easy to overlook but one that is incredibly telling in hindsight.
Think about how integral our sense of smell is to our daily life. It affects how we experience food, our ability to detect danger like smoke, and even our emotional state—consider how certain scents can trigger powerful memories or emotions. When the sense of smell changes or disappears, the change can be disorienting.
In the context of ACC, what’s unique is that this symptom often coexists with others like nosebleeds or facial pain. It’s almost as if the disease leaves multiple calling cards, creating a syndrome of interconnected symptoms. While loss of smell alone might not scream “cancer,” its persistence or its presence with other symptoms certainly ratchets up the level of concern.
Further complicating matters, an altered sense of smell can lead to loss of appetite, contributing to weight loss and poor nutrition. It also affects social interactions; imagine not being able to smell your favorite food at a family gathering or the scent of a loved one’s perfume.(2)
