**Question:** Neoplastic giant cells characteristically seen in Hodgkin's lymphoma are: March 2013 (e)

**Core Concept:** Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of lymphoma, which is a group of blood cancers that involve the development of abnormal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Neoplastic giant cells are a distinctive feature of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**

In Hodgkin's lymphoma, the neoplastic giant cells are Reed-Sternberg (R-S) cells. These cells are large, binucleated cells that contain a specific cell marker called CD30, which is absent in normal lymphocytes. The presence of R-S cells along with the characteristic features (Hodgkin's and Reed-Sternberg cells) in the lymph node biopsy is essential for the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Reed-Sternberg cells are not present in this option, making it incorrect.
B. Reed-Sternberg cells are not mentioned in this option, leading to its incorrectness.
C. Although neoplastic giant cells are present, the specific type (Reed-Sternberg cells) is absent, making this option incorrect.
D. Reed-Sternberg cells are not mentioned, rendering this option incorrect.

**Clinical Pearl:**

Reed-Sternberg cells are a hallmark of Hodgkin's lymphoma, and their identification is crucial for diagnosis. This knowledge is essential for medical students, residents, and practicing physicians who encounter lymphoma cases in their clinical practice.

**Correct Answer:** .