Hodgkin lymphoma - Reed-Sternberg cells

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Reed-Sternberg cells are characterized by their unique appearance under a microscope. They are large, multinucleated cells with prominent nucleoli (small structures within the nucleus). 

Reed Sternberg Cell

These cells are derived from B-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. They are large, abnormal cells that are typically found in Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. 

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. 

 Reed-Sternberg cells are a hallmark feature of Hodgkin lymphoma and their presence is crucial for the diagnosis of the disease. Here are a few more details about Reed-Sternberg cells and Hodgkin lymphoma:

  1. Appearance of Reed-Sternberg Cells: These cells are typically much larger than normal lymphocytes and have a distinctive appearance with two nuclei that give them an "owl's eye" appearance. The nuclei are usually surrounded by a clear halo, which is a zone of less dense staining. This morphology is not seen in any normal cells in the body.

  2. Origin of Reed-Sternberg Cells: While they are derived from B lymphocytes, Reed-Sternberg cells are considered to be neoplastic, meaning they are cancerous and proliferate abnormally. They are thought to originate from pre-apoptotic germinal center B cells that have evaded normal cell death processes.

  3. Role in Hodgkin Lymphoma: Despite their prominence in the pathology of Hodgkin lymphoma, Reed-Sternberg cells are actually quite rare even in the affected tissues. They are surrounded by a reactive infiltrate of other cell types, including non-malignant lymphocytes, eosinophils, and plasma cells, which contribute to the symptoms and progression of the disease.

  4. Subtypes of Hodgkin Lymphoma: There are different subtypes of Hodgkin lymphoma, and Reed-Sternberg cells can vary in appearance depending on the subtype. For example, the nodular sclerosis type often has lacunar Reed-Sternberg cells, which have a particular appearance due to retraction of the cytoplasm around the nuclei during tissue processing.

  5. Diagnosis and Treatment: The diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma often involves a biopsy of affected lymphatic tissue, where the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells can be a key diagnostic feature. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and in some cases, stem cell transplantation.

  6. Pathogenesis: The pathogenesis of Hodgkin lymphoma is complex and involves genetic mutations, viral infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus in some cases), and immune evasion mechanisms. Reed-Sternberg cells are known to secrete various cytokines that attract other cell types, which help create a supportive environment for the tumor cells and contribute to symptoms like fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

  7. Prognosis: The prognosis for Hodgkin lymphoma can be quite good, especially when diagnosed and treated early. The presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in the biopsy does not itself determine the prognosis; rather, the stage of the disease, the presence of systemic symptoms, and other factors are used to predict outcomes.

Understanding the biology of Reed-Sternberg cells and their environment has been central to the development of targeted therapies for Hodgkin lymphoma, leading to improved outcomes for many patients.

Reference

Reed-Sternberg Cells https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542333/

 

© 2000-2030 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742

 

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