Reed-Sternberg cells are a specific marker for which lymphoma?

Reed-Sternberg cells are a specific marker for which lymphoma?

• A. Hodgkin's Lymphoma
• B. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
• C. Burkitt Lymphoma
• D. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Answer: (A)

Reed-Sternberg cells are the hallmark feature of Hodgkin lymphoma. These are large, malignant B cells with an unmistakable owl-eye appearance due to two prominent nuclei, commonly found amid a mixed inflammatory background. In classical Hodgkin lymphoma, these cells express CD15 and CD30, often with only weak PAX5 expression, and they are typically negative for CD45. This immunophenotype helps distinguish Hodgkin lymphoma from other lymphoid neoplasms, where Reed-Sternberg–type cells are not the defining feature. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas, Burkitt lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia have different characteristic pathologies and do not rely on Reed-Sternberg cells for diagnosis.

Reed-Sternberg cells are the hallmark feature of Hodgkin lymphoma. These are large, malignant B cells with an unmistakable owl-eye appearance due to two prominent nuclei, commonly found amid a mixed inflammatory background. In classical Hodgkin lymphoma, these cells express CD15 and CD30, often with only weak PAX5 expression, and they are typically negative for CD45. This immunophenotype helps distinguish Hodgkin lymphoma from other lymphoid neoplasms, where Reed-Sternberg–type cells are not the defining feature. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas, Burkitt lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia have different characteristic pathologies and do not rely on Reed-Sternberg cells for diagnosis.