Observation of cells resembling sternberg-reed cells in conditions other than Hodgkin's disease

The diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease is based upon the finding of characteristic Sternberg-Reed cells in appropriate cellular and architectural environments. The demonstration of cells with the nuclear and cytoplasmic features of Sternberg-Reed cells is necessary, but not sufficient for the diagnosis of this disease. Many investigators, however, have erroneously regarded these cells as pathognomonic. This report emphasizes that cells indistinguishable from, or closely resembling, Sternberg-Reed cells may be found in conditions other than Hodgkin's disease. Their presence, therefore, should not be considered a diagnostic mandate. Thirteen cases are presented in which biopsy sections of both benign and malignant lesions revealed cells closely resembling or indistinguishable from Sternberg-Reed cells.