Aggressive Sternum Extension in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Barriers to Timely Care in a Resource-Limited Setting

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma englobes a diverse group of malignant disorders. Although most commonly manifested as lymphadenopathies or solid tumors, some lymphomas can exhibit highly aggressive behavior, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This report highlights the case of a 72-year-old male from a resource-limited setting who delayed seeking medical care for two years, relying on alternative medicine for a destructive sternal mass. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), healthcare-seeking decisions are influenced by factors such as poor dimension of symptoms, cultural beliefs, limited access to health care, and reliance on traditional, conventional, and alternative treatment. This case highlights challenges in LMICs in cancer care and the urgent need to address these barriers. This case proposes that efforts should focus on reducing patient intervals and improving cancer outcomes in LMICs.