Popcorn cells are a type of abnormal cell found in a rare subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma called Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL). They are also known as lymphocyte-predominant cells. These cells differ significantly from the Reed-Sternberg cells characteristic of classic Hodgkin lymphoma.
Characteristics of Popcorn Cells
- Appearance: Histologically, popcorn cells have a large, irregular, and polypoid nuclear morphology, often described as resembling popcorn kernels. Their nuclei are polylobated (having many lobes) with vesicular chromatin (loosely packed DNA).
- CD20 Positive: They are CD20 positive, a marker often found on B cells.
- Distinction from Reed-Sternberg Cells: This is a key differentiating factor between NLPHL and classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is defined by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
Importance in Diagnosis
The presence of popcorn cells is a crucial diagnostic feature of NLPHL. Identifying these cells through a biopsy and microscopic examination helps pathologists differentiate NLPHL from other types of Hodgkin lymphoma and other lymphoid malignancies.
Additional Notes
While the term "popcorn cells" is commonly used, the preferred and more accurate terminology in current medical literature is lymphocyte-predominant cells. The name "popcorn cells" is somewhat outdated but still persists in some contexts. It's important to note that the term "popcorn cells" may also refer to other structures in different fields, like plasmonic materials in solar cell research, but in the context of medicine, it almost exclusively refers to the cells described above.
