Reed-Sternberg cell

Reed–Sternberg cells are distinctive, giant cells found with light microscopy in cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system). The presence of these cells is necessary in the diagnosis of this disease, however, they are not sufficient to diagnose Hodgkin's lymphoma because they are also found in other conditions.

History

The cell is named for Carl Sternberg, who characterized it in 1898, and Dorothy Reed Mendenhall, who provided a further description in 1902.

Characteristics

Reed–Sternberg cells are large and often binucleated with prominent eosinophilic inclusion-like nucleoli in a sky-blue cytoplasm. They are derived from B lymphocytes, often post-germinal center B cells. Despite their large size, they usually only make up about 1% of the total mass of a Hodgkin's lymphoma tumor, with the majority of the tumor consisting of a variety of reactive, but non-neoplastic, inflammatory cells.

Variants

There are several variants of Reed–Sternberg cells, including the mononuclear variant and the lacunar cell. The mononuclear variant has a single nucleus, while the lacunar cell is a variant of the Reed–Sternberg cell that has a single multilobulated nucleus, and is surrounded by a clear space or "lacuna".

Associated conditions

While the presence of Reed–Sternberg cells is necessary for the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma, they are not specific to this condition. They can also be found in other conditions, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, reactive lymphadenopathy, and infectious mononucleosis.

See also

• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Lymphadenopathy
• Infectious mononucleosis

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