Classical Hodgkin lymphoma and its differential diagnoses. Issue 10 (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fend, Falko
• Is Part Of: Diagnostic histopathology. Volume 21:Issue 10(2015)
• Page Start: 400
• Page End: 407
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: classical Hodgkin lymphoma -- immunohistochemistry -- lymphoma classification -- nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma; Histology, Pathological -- Periodicals; Cytodiagnosis -- Periodicals; Diagnosis, Laboratory -- Periodicals; Pathology -- Periodicals; Histopathologie -- Périodiques; Pathologie -- Périodiques; Cytodiagnostics -- Périodiques; Diagnostics biologiques -- Périodiques; Histologie -- Technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.07582
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpdhp.2015.09.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-2317

Abstract

Abstract: Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) is a unique type of B-cell lymphoma defined by the presence of characteristic neoplastic cells, termed Hodgkin- and Reed-Sternberg cells, in an exuberant inflammatory background. CHL constitutes 15–20% of malignant lymphomas. Modern treatment modalities are able to cure the majority of patients. Despite the presence of clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements, the tumour cells lack a B-cell-specific expression program and show a phenotype devoid of most B-cell antigens, with CD30 and CD15 as characteristic markers. Although most cases of CHL can be diagnosed readily by morphology and a limited panel of immunohistochemical markers, a variety of malignant lymphomas and reactive conditions can imitate CHL, and true borderline cases with features intermediate between CHL and large B-cell lymphoma exist. This review summarizes the diagnostic criteria and relevant biological features of CHL and describes the most important differential diagnoses, including lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.