Numb Chin Syndrome as an Oncological and Maxillofacial Red Flag: A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63326/ze1a3c82Keywords:
Paresthesia, Mental Nerve, Mandibular neoplasms, Metastasis, Maxillofacial neoplasmsAbstract
Numb Chin Syndrome (NCS), or mental nerve neuropathy, is an uncommon yet critical neurosensory manifestation characterized by hypoesthesia, paresthesia, or anesthesia within the territory of the mental nerve. This entity is frequently associated with bone metastases, perineural invasion, or advanced hematological malignancies. The objective of this work is to conduct a narrative literature review to evaluate the diagnostic impact, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical management of this entity in the maxillofacial and oncological fields. Through the analysis of literature published between 2022 and 2025, it was identified that NCS can be the first and sole sign of occult primary tumors or tumor relapses, initially mimicking pathologies of odontogenic origin and leading to unnecessary local treatments due to the frequent absence of early radiographic findings. A timely interdisciplinary approach, the indication of systemic staging studies, and the implementation of palliative therapeutics, including localized radiotherapy and advanced neuropathic pain management, are indispensable to prevent diagnostic delay and improve the patient's quality of life. Awareness of this red flag by oral health professionals is crucial for the early detection of systemic neoplastic dissemination.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ninoska Elizabeth Vivas Briceño, Nicole Andreina Bello Vivas, Mariam Alzabeth Maita Pérez, Diego Javier González Carrillo (Autor/a)
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