Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Differences, Definitions, and Classifications
Key Topics Covered
- Differences between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Definition of Lymphoma
- Classification of Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Pathogenesis of Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Reed-Sternberg cells and its variants
- Subtypes of Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Ann Arbor Classification
- Clinical Features
Differences between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Nodal Involvement:
- Hodgkin: Single axial group of nodes (cervical, mediastinal, paraaortic).
- Non-Hodgkin: Multiple nodes, non-contiguous spread.
- Nodal Spread:
- Hodgkin: Orderly spread by continuity.
- Non-Hodgkin: Non-contiguous spread.
- Involvement of Mesenteric Nodes and Waldeyer's Ring:
- Hodgkin: Rarely involved.
- Non-Hodgkin: Often involved.
- Extranodal Presentation:
- Age Distribution:
- Hodgkin: Bimodal age distribution (20 years and elderly).
- Non-Hodgkin: No specific age distribution.
Definition of Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Involvement of a single axial group of nodes.
- Spreads to anatomic contiguous lymphoid tissues.
- Neoplastic disease with characteristic Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells.
Classification of Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHL)
- Nodular Sclerosis
- Mixed Cellularity
- Lymphocyte-Rich
- Lymphocyte-Depleted
- Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL)
- Different immunophenotype (CD15-, CD30-).
Pathogenesis of Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Originates from germinal center or post-germinal center B-cells.
- Two types: EBV-positive and EBV-negative tumor cells.
- RS cells express LMP1 (EBV-positive) or lose function of TNFAIP3 (EBV-negative), leading to NF-kB activation which supports growth and survival.
- Cross-talk between RS cells and surrounding reactive cells.
Reed-Sternberg Cells and Variants
- Classic RS Cell: Large with bi-lobed nucleus and prominent nucleoli ("owl-eye" appearance).
- Mononuclear RS Cell: Single nucleus with inclusion-like nucleolus.
- Lacunar Variant: Multilobed and folded nuclei, cytoplasm dissociation.
- L&H (Popcorn) Cells: Polylobate nucleus resembling popcorn.
- Pleomorphic or Anaplastic Variant: Atypical nuclei, associated with Lymphocyte Depleted subtype.
Subtypes of Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Nodular Sclerosis
- Most common, lacunar variants, fibrous bands dividing cellular areas.
- Mixed Cellularity
- Common, diagnostic RS cells with mixed inflammatory background, EBV-positive in 70% cases.
- Lymphocyte-Rich
- Uncommon, T-lymphocytes background, EBV-associated in 40% cases.
- Lymphocyte-Depleted
- Least common, worst prognosis, two variants: Diffuse Fibrosis and Reticular.
Non-classical Type: NLPHL
- More favorable prognosis, prominent L&H cells.
- CD20+, CD45+, EBV-negative.
Ann Arbor Classification
- Stage I: Single lymph node region or extralymphatic organ/site.
- Stage II: Two or more lymph node regions on the same side of diaphragm.
- Stage III: Lymph node regions on both sides of diaphragm.
- Stage IV: Dissemination to extranodal sites.
Clinical Features
- Main presentation: painless lymphadenopathy
- B symptoms: fever, night sweats, weight loss (if advanced stage).
- Spread: From lymph nodes to spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other organs.
Conclusion
- Hodgkin Lymphoma has distinct features and treatment responses compared to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
- Understanding classifications, pathogenesis, and clinical features are crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
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