Reed-Sternberg cells in classical Hodgkin lymphoma characteristically express which combination of markers?
- A CD20+, CD45+, CD30−, BCL6+
- B CD3+, CD30+, CD15−, EMA+
- C CD15+, CD30+, CD45−, PAX5 weak+ ✓
- D CD15−, CD30+, CD45+, CD20+
Correct answer: C. CD15+, CD30+, CD45−, PAX5 weak+
Explanation
Classical RS cells are CD15+, CD30+, CD45−, and show weak/dim PAX5 (residual B-cell lineage marker). CD20 is absent or faint in classical HL (unlike nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL where the LP cells are CD20+ and CD45+). CD3 positivity would indicate T-cell lineage.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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