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PA19.1-6 | Welcome to Hodgkin Lymphoma — Gross & Microscopic Identification

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the gross features of Hodgkin lymphoma in lymph node and spleen specimens.
  • Identify the Reed-Sternberg cell and its variants (Hodgkin cell, lacunar cell, popcorn cell) on H&E-stained sections.
  • Recognise the polymorphous reactive background in Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Distinguish the histological patterns of nodular sclerosis and mixed cellularity subtypes.
  • Apply the immunohistochemical profile (CD15, CD30, CD45, CD20) to confirm the diagnosis.

INSTRUCTIONS

Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the few cancers where a single cell — the Reed-Sternberg cell — is diagnostic. In the histopathology practical, you will encounter lymph node sections where your task is to find that cell, describe its surroundings, and interpret the subtype. This module walks you through the systematic specimen examination approach used by pathologists, from the gross cut surface to the high-power microscopic field.

References

  • Robbins & Kumar: Basic Pathology, 11th ed., Ch. 11 — Lymphoid Neoplasms (textbook)
  • Harsh Mohan: Textbook of Pathology, 8th ed., Ch. 30 — Lymphoreticular Tissues (textbook)

Version 2.0 | NMC CBUC 2024