Hodgkin's disease presenting as a parasternal chest wall mass

Neth J Med. 1999 Jun;54(6):239-41. doi: 10.1016/s0300-2977(99)00013-3.

Abstract

A 53 year-old Moroccan woman presented with a tender parasternal mass. Computerized tomography showed a mediastinal mass protruding through the sternum. Cytologic examination of fluid collected from the mass repeatedly showed acute inflammation. Tuberculostatics were started. Since patient did not improve on tuberculostatics, a small supraclavicular lymph node was removed. Histologic examination showed Morbus Hodgkin of the nodular sclerosing type. Ultimately, cytologic examination of fluid from the parasternal mass showed atypical cells. Response on chemotherapy was excellent with complete disappearance of the parasternal mass. This is a very unusual extranodal presentation of Hodgkin's disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hodgkin Disease / diagnosis*
  • Hodgkin Disease / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology*
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Mediastinal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / diagnosis