What are Reed-Sternberg cells or RS-cells?
Various types of Reed-Sternberg cells.
Many a times RS-like cells may appear in conditions unrelated to Hodgkin’s Lymphomas. It is important to be aware of RS-cells and their mimics.
Some clues useful in differentiating RS cells from RS like cells
| Features | RS cells | RS like- cells |
| Associated conditions | Seen in HL/composite lymphomas | May be seen in high grade lymphomas, rarely in low grade B- or T-cell NHLs |
| Background | Should be accompanied by characteristic background (fibrosis, inflammatory cells) | No characteristic background |
| CD 30 expression | Strong and homogenous CD30 | CD 30 variable expression |
| B- cell expression. | Negative/variable positive for B-cell markers | B-cell markers more homogenously expressed (CD20, CD79a, PAX-5) |
Now on to the most difficult task
Identify the True RS-cell
Correct answer is B. RS cells have a characteristic eosinophilic nucleoli and a polymorphous background. Option A- Horseshoe shaped cells in ALCL. Option C- EBV positive cells associated with EBV positive mucocutaneous ulcer, basophilic nucleoli. Option D: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
RS cells can be identified by routine hematoxylin and eosin staining, however, IHC for CD 15,CD30, CD20 and CD 45 can be useful in their differentiation from RS-like cells.
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