Carl Sternberg

Austrian pathologist known for his work on Hodgkin's lymphoma

Feuerhalle Simmering Arkadenhof - Carl Sternberg, 2016

Carl Sternberg (19 March 1872 – 3 July 1935) was an Austrian pathologist renowned for his contributions to the understanding of Hodgkin's lymphoma. He is best known for identifying the Reed-Sternberg cell, a distinctive type of cell found in this disease.

Early Life and Education

Carl Sternberg was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, in 1872. He pursued his medical education at the University of Vienna, where he developed a keen interest in pathology. Under the mentorship of prominent pathologists of the time, Sternberg honed his skills in histological techniques and disease diagnosis.

Career

After completing his studies, Sternberg worked at the Institute of Pathology in Vienna. His research focused on lymphatic diseases, particularly those affecting the lymph nodes. In 1898, he published a seminal paper describing the histological features of a disease that would later be known as Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Discovery of Reed-Sternberg Cells

Sternberg's most significant contribution to medicine was his identification of the large, abnormal cells in the lymph nodes of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. These cells, later named Reed-Sternberg cells after both Sternberg and the American pathologist Dorothy Reed, are now recognized as a hallmark of the disease. Sternberg's meticulous work laid the foundation for the modern understanding and diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Later Life and Legacy

Sternberg continued his research and teaching at the University of Vienna until his death in 1935. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of pathology and oncology. The identification of Reed-Sternberg cells remains a critical component in the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma, and his contributions are still recognized in medical education and practice today.

Related Pages

• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Reed-Sternberg cell
• University of Vienna
• Pathology