Numb Chin Syndrome Leading to a Diagnosis of Salivary Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Numb chin syndrome (NCS) refers to a rare sensory neuropathy characterized by numbness of the chin within the distribution of the mental or inferior alveolar nerve. Although NCS is usually caused by a benign process, it should not be underestimated and a thorough diagnostic evaluation for a new or known progressive malignancy should always be performed. Here, we report a case of salivary ductal adenocarcinoma that mimicked a pulpitis and periodontitis in its early presentation accompanied by numbness of chin. The course and diagnosis of this case are discussed, and a brief review of the literature is presented. It is hoped for clinicians to keep the malignant possibility of NCS in mind and take a thorough examination.

Myasthenia gravis and numb chin syndrome with lung carcinoma

“…NCS typically presents with sensory symptoms alone such as numbness of lower lip and chin, as it lacks a motor component. [ 1 ] The most common causes of NCS include dental procedures, dental infections, and neoplasms. [ 2 ]…”