Which feature distinguishes Hodgkin lymphoma from most non-Hodgkin lymphomas?

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Multiple Choice

Which feature distinguishes Hodgkin lymphoma from most non-Hodgkin lymphomas?

Reed-Sternberg cells are the distinctive feature. These are large malignant B cells with a characteristic owl-eye appearance that you see on biopsy. Their presence defines classical Hodgkin lymphoma and is not found in most non-Hodgkin lymphomas, making it the strongest differentiator. In Hodgkin lymphoma, these cells are usually CD15 and CD30 positive, with weak or absent CD45, and they sit among a reactive mix of inflammatory cells that their cytokines recruit. By contrast, non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a heterogeneous group arising from various B, T, or NK cells and do not rely on Reed-Sternberg cells for diagnosis. While spread patterns or cell-of-origin concepts can vary between HL and NHL, the consistent histologic hallmark—Reed-Sternberg cells—best distinguishes Hodgkin lymphoma.

Reed-Sternberg cells are the distinctive feature. These are large malignant B cells with a characteristic owl-eye appearance that you see on biopsy. Their presence defines classical Hodgkin lymphoma and is not found in most non-Hodgkin lymphomas, making it the strongest differentiator. In Hodgkin lymphoma, these cells are usually CD15 and CD30 positive, with weak or absent CD45, and they sit among a reactive mix of inflammatory cells that their cytokines recruit. By contrast, non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a heterogeneous group arising from various B, T, or NK cells and do not rely on Reed-Sternberg cells for diagnosis. While spread patterns or cell-of-origin concepts can vary between HL and NHL, the consistent histologic hallmark—Reed-Sternberg cells—best distinguishes Hodgkin lymphoma.

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