Haematopathology: Hodgkin lymphoma: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Pathology · Haematopathology: Hodgkin lymphoma

Sample item

A young woman has painless cervical lymphadenopathy, with broad collagen bands dividing the lymph node into nodules and lacunar cells on biopsy. Which is the most likely subtype?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma

Nodular sclerosis is the commonest type in developed countries, affecting young women with mediastinal disease. It has fibrous bands and lacunar variants of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are CD15 and CD30 positive.

Option by option

  • A. Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

    Lymphocyte-predominant disease shows popcorn (L&H) cells that are CD20 positive.

  • B. Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma

    Lymphocyte-depleted disease is rare and seen in older or HIV-positive patients.

  • C. Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma (correct)

    Correct. Collagen bands and lacunar cells define this subtype.

  • D. Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma

    Mixed cellularity shows classic Reed-Sternberg cells with a mixed inflammatory background and is associated with EBV.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is C, Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma. Nodular sclerosis is the commonest type in developed countries, affecting young women with mediastinal disease.

Why is "Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma" not the answer?

Lymphocyte-predominant disease shows popcorn (L&H) cells that are CD20 positive.

Why is "Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma" not the answer?

Lymphocyte-depleted disease is rare and seen in older or HIV-positive patients.

Why is "Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma" not the answer?

Mixed cellularity shows classic Reed-Sternberg cells with a mixed inflammatory background and is associated with EBV.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Haematopathology: Hodgkin lymphoma in Pathology. It has fibrous bands and lacunar variants of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are CD15 and CD30 positive.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Haematopathology: Hodgkin lymphoma?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.