[Numb chin syndrome as a sign of tumour recurrence]

Numb chin syndrome is characterized by anaesthesia or paraesthesia in the areas supplied by the chin nerve. It is a rare symptom which tends to be underestimated. Far from being insignificant, it should be taken as an indication of hidden malignant disease. In patients previously diagnosed with neoplasia, it is frequently associated with ominous diagnosis indicating rapid progression of the disease. This paper reports the case of a patient diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years earlier who presents chin numbness. Further tests confirm the suspicion of metastatic disease (meningeal carcinomatosis and multiple bone and pulmonary metastases) leading to death two months after the initial consultation.