Osseous Hodgkin's lymphoma-review of literature and report of an unusual case presenting as a large ulcerofungating sternal mass

Osseous involvement in Hodgkin's lymphoma is uncommon. The most common location is vertebral, primarily in the thoracolumbar region, followed by pelvis, ribs, femur, sternum, clavicle and skull in decreasing incidence. We herein illustrate the salient features of the disease citing a case of a disseminated Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting as a large ulcerofungating sternal mass mimicking chronic tubercular osteomyelitis. The case report highlights the importance of clinical suspicion of unusual presentation of lymphohematopoietic tumors of the bone especially in developing countries, where chronic granulomatous disease is preponderant.