<P> Reed--Sternberg cells (also known as lacunar histiocytes for certain types) are different giant cells found with light microscopy in biopsies from individuals with Hodgkin's lymphoma (a.k.a. Hodgkin's disease, a type of lymphoma). They are usually derived from B lymphocytes, classically considered crippled germinal center B cells, meaning they have not undergone hypermutation to express their antibody . Seen against a sea of B cells, they give the tissue a moth - eaten appearance . </P> <P> Classification of Hodgkin's is based on the reactive cell mixture . Immunomarkers are used (e.g., CD15 and CD30). </P>

Reed-sternberg cells in lymphatic tissue is diagnostic of