Reed-Sternberg cells in nodes are found in?

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system.
Its definitive diagnosis relies on the identification of Reed-Sternberg cells in a lymph node biopsy.
These cells are large, cancerous B-lymphocytes, often with a bilobed nucleus and prominent nucleoli, giving them a characteristic "owl's eye" appearance.
The presence of these cells distinguishes Hodgkin's lymphoma from all other types of lymphomas and cancers.

Option A: Multiple Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The characteristic finding is an overproduction of malignant plasma cells, not Reed-Sternberg cells.
Option C: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) is a broad term for a large group of lymphomas. A key defining feature that separates all types of NHL from Hodgkin's lymphoma is the absence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
Option D: Leukaemia is a cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. It is characterized by the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells (blasts), not the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells in lymph nodes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathognomonic cellular markers for hematologic malignancies as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The identification of Reed-Sternberg cells is crucial because the treatment and prognosis for Hodgkin's Lymphoma are significantly different from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and other cancers.
Nurses play a vital role in caring for patients undergoing lymph node biopsy, including providing pre-procedure education, monitoring for post-procedure complications like bleeding or infection, and offering emotional support while awaiting results.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma is considered one of the most curable forms of cancer, especially when diagnosed early. Nursing care focuses on managing treatment side effects (chemotherapy, radiation) and long-term survivorship issues.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: "Reed-Sternberg cells". This is a specific, pathognomonic finding.
Recognize this as a factual recall question that links a specific cell type to a specific disease.
Access your knowledge of hematology and oncology. Recall the major types of blood and lymph node cancers.
Systematically evaluate the options: Associate Multiple Myeloma with plasma cells, Leukaemia with blasts, and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma with the absence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
Conclude that Reed-Sternberg cells are the unique hallmark of Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 615-617

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