Sternoclavicular joint arthritis: an unusual presentation of metastatic carcinoma

Metastatic carcinoma presenting as sternoclavicular joint arthritis has only recently been reported. We describe a unique case of carcinoma arising from the tongue presenting with bilateral enlargement of the sternoclavicular joints. Diagnosis of metastatic squamous cell disease was made antemortem by Wright's stain and cytology of a joint fluid aspirate; the primary eluded detection until postmortem examination. Primary carcinoma of the tongue and oral cavity should be considered when confronted with metastatic squamous cell disease.