[Mental neuropathy]

Twelve cases of mental nerve neuropathy observed over a 20-month period are reported. Although benign in appearance, the condition frequently is of somber significance being most often, and sometimes initially, associated with malignant diseases. Cancer, and in particular breast cancer, is the most common cause, but malignant blood diseases may also be responsible. Metastatic lesions of the mandible and/or the mental nerve most probably explain why paresthesia and pain in the chin are relieved by local radiotherapy, combined or not with chemotherapy.