In Hodgkin lymphoma, Reed-Sternberg cells are best characterized by which immunophenotype?
- A CD20+, CD10+, BCL-6+, CD30-
- B CD3+, CD4+, CD30+, ALK+
- C CD15+, CD30+, CD45-, PAX5 dim positive ✓
- D CD19+, CD23+, CD5+, CD10-
Correct answer: C. CD15+, CD30+, CD45-, PAX5 dim positive
Explanation
Classical Reed-Sternberg cells and their mononuclear variants (lacunar cells) characteristically express CD15 and CD30 but are negative for CD45 (leukocyte common antigen) and show only dim/weak PAX5 expression despite originating from germinal center B cells. Loss of most B-cell markers (CD20 usually negative in classical HL) while retaining PAX5 dim is a hallmark. The CD20+/CD10+/BCL-6+ profile belongs to germinal center B-cell DLBCL; CD3+/CD4+/ALK+ to anaplastic large cell lymphoma; CD19+/CD23+/CD5+ to CLL/SLL.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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