[2] Additionally, reviews do not always make distinctions between ageusia and hypogeusia, often classifying them as the same in certain circumstances and studies.
[3] The severity of the loss of taste from hypogeusia is not clearly outlined in current research due to these reasons.
Inhibition of gustatory papillae found in the base, often due to oropharyngeal tumors, is thought of to be the cause of this.
Specifically, chemotherapies and radiation treatments may impair or damage various taste related cells, and certain surgeries may even remove minor to major parts of the tongue depending on the severity of the tumor.
However, if the treatments have led to the formation of hypogeusia, than patient specific nutrition plans may be used to treat the loss of taste.