Reed-Sternberg cell
Pronunciation: reed-STERN-berg
Diagnostic malignant cell characteristic of classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Essential pathologic feature for diagnosis.
Full Definition
Reed-Sternberg cells are the pathognomonic malignant cells that define classical Hodgkin lymphoma, named after Dorothy Reed and Carl Sternberg who first described them. These large, abnormal lymphoid cells typically have multiple nuclei or multilobated nuclei with prominent nucleoli, giving them a distinctive "owl's eye" appearance. Reed-Sternberg cells and their variants (Hodgkin cells) are derived from germinal center B cells and express characteristic markers including CD30 and CD15, while typically lacking pan-B-cell markers. The identification of these cells by pathologists is crucial for distinguishing Hodgkin lymphoma from other lymphomas.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate Reed-Sternberg. Capitalize both surnames.
In Context
- "The biopsy showed scattered Reed-Sternberg cells in a background of inflammatory cells." — Pathology report
- "Classic Reed-Sternberg cells are large with bilobed or multilobated nuclei." — Educational material