Hodgkin lymphoma vs Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
How to tell Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma apart when a board question makes them look alike.
Hodgkin is Reed-Sternberg/CD15/CD30 with orderly contiguous spread; NHL is subtype-diverse, often extranodal or noncontiguous.
Side by side
Hodgkin lymphoma classically presents as painless cervical lymphadenopathy with a bimodal age distribution, Reed-Sternberg cells, contiguous spread, and often B symptoms.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a broad group of B-, T-, or NK-cell lymphomas, often with noncontiguous nodal spread, extranodal disease, and subtype-specific markers.
A small population of malignant Reed-Sternberg cells shapes a mixed inflammatory background in involved nodes.
Clonal lymphoid proliferation arises from different maturation stages and can involve nodes, blood, marrow, or extranodal tissue.
Reed-Sternberg cells with CD15 and CD30 support classic Hodgkin lymphoma; EBV association may be present in some subtypes.
Flow cytometry, immunophenotype, and cytogenetics define NHL subtypes, such as CD20 B-cell markers or translocation-associated patterns.
The trap
Painless lymphadenopathy overlaps; histology, marker pattern, spread pattern, and extranodal involvement separate the categories.
Watch it explained
The repair move
For lymphoma, anchor on cell morphology and spread pattern before using age or node location alone.
Try a free question
CoreA young adult has painless cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and biopsy showing Reed-Sternberg cells that are CD15 and CD30 positive. Which diagnosis is most likely?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Hodgkin lymphoma. Reed-Sternberg cells with CD15/CD30 support classic Hodgkin lymphoma.
Why the other choices are tempting
- B. NHL lacks the classic Reed-Sternberg/CD15/CD30 anchor as a category.
- C. CLL is mature B-cell leukemia with smudge cells.
- D. Metastatic carcinoma would show epithelial tumor markers, not Reed-Sternberg cells.
- E. Infectious mononucleosis causes reactive lymphadenopathy, not clonal Reed-Sternberg disease.
Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it.
What cell points to Hodgkin lymphoma?
Reed-Sternberg cells point to Hodgkin lymphoma.
What markers support classic Hodgkin lymphoma?
CD15 and CD30 support classic Hodgkin lymphoma.
Quick answers
What is the fastest way to tell Hodgkin lymphoma from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Hodgkin is Reed-Sternberg/CD15/CD30 with orderly contiguous spread; NHL is subtype-diverse, often extranodal or noncontiguous.
What is the key clue for Hodgkin lymphoma?
Hodgkin lymphoma classically presents as painless cervical lymphadenopathy with a bimodal age distribution, Reed-Sternberg cells, contiguous spread, and often B symptoms.
What is the key clue for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a broad group of B-, T-, or NK-cell lymphomas, often with noncontiguous nodal spread, extranodal disease, and subtype-specific markers.
What is the common trap with Hodgkin lymphoma vs Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Painless lymphadenopathy overlaps; histology, marker pattern, spread pattern, and extranodal involvement separate the categories.