Numb chin: A simple sign of a catastrophic illness

Abstract

The sensory neuropathy of the mental nerve (Numb Chin Syndrome-NCS) is a rare neurological condition which is often associated with malignancy, as a sentinel clinical presentation. The most common primary tumours related to it are lymphoma and breast cancer. In the clinical case presented, the patient in question had no previous neoplastic history and it was due to this symptom that the investigation was carried out. Therefore, with this research, it is intended to create awareness to the fact that while in most cases NCS can be underestimated, it is a sign that can be extremely important and in fact reveal a hidden tumour. The case is of utter importance because early recognition of this type of signs are fundamental for timely diagnosis and treatment impacting on the patient’s outcome.