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[Chin neuropathy of neoplastic origin]
1Service de neurologie, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, Lausanne.
Abstract:
Three patients with mental neuropathy ("numb chin syndrome") secondary to systemic cancer are described. Two patients had malignant lymphoma and one a probable hypernephroma. In 2 patients, facial numbness was a presenting symptom of the malignancy. Investigations disclosed metastatic lesions of the mandible in one patient and cerebrospinal fluid was normal in 2 patients. Two patients died at 1 and 8 months respectively after onset of the neuropathy. Although benign in appearance, numb chin syndrome is most often, and sometimes initially, associated with visceral neoplasia or malignant hemopathy. It is a factor of poor prognosis. The pathogenesis is related either to metastasis of mandible, or neoplastic infiltration of the nerve itself.
Insights
Numb chin syndrome, often an early sign of cancer like lymphoma or hypernephroma, indicates a poor prognosis. This neurological symptom can stem from cancer metastasis or nerve infiltration.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Numb chin syndrome (mental neuropathy) can be an early indicator of underlying systemic malignancy.
- This condition is often associated with visceral neoplasia or malignant hemopathy.
Observation:
- Three cases of numb chin syndrome secondary to systemic cancer are presented.
- Two patients had malignant lymphoma, and one had a probable hypernephroma.
- Facial numbness presented as an initial symptom in two of the patients.
Findings:
- Metastatic lesions in the mandible were identified in one patient.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was normal in two patients.
- Two patients experienced mortality within 1 and 8 months of neuropathy onset.
Implications:
- Numb chin syndrome, despite its benign appearance, is a significant factor of poor prognosis in cancer patients.
- The pathogenesis involves either mandibular metastasis or direct neoplastic nerve infiltration.
- Early recognition of numb chin syndrome is crucial for prompt cancer diagnosis and management.