The "numb chin syndrome": A case report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Oral Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• Neuroendocrine tumors are rare malignancies (0.5-2% of adult cancers).
• Oral cavity metastasis from neuroendocrine tumors is exceptionally uncommon.
• The mandible is the most frequent oral site for such metastases.

Observation:

• An elderly patient presented with unilateral numb chin and lip, and hypoglossal nerve palsy.
• Clinical examination revealed no odontogenic cause for symptoms.
• Imaging (CT/MRI) showed suspicious lytic lesions in the mandible and spinal fractures.

Findings:

• A left lung mass was identified as the likely primary site.
• Biopsy confirmed metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma.
• The case highlights the

Implications:

• Sudden altered sensation in the chin/lips warrants investigation for malignancy.
• "Numb chin syndrome" is a significant sign for mandibular metastatic disease.
• Early recognition of "numb chin syndrome" is crucial for diagnosing advanced cancers.