Classical HL

This type makes up 95% of cases and is characterized by the presence of large cells having several nuclei called Reed-Sternberg (R-S) cells.

This group is further divided into:

• Nodular sclerosing HL à The characteristic cell of this type of HL is a variant of the R-S cell that has a multilobulated nucleus, though this type of lymphoma also has R-S cells, though in lesser quantity. The non-neoplastic component contains lymphocytes, histiocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils
• Mixed-cellularity HL à The infiltrate is diffuse and the neoplastic cells are of the classical R-S type. The infiltrate contains lymphocytes, histiocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils.
• Lymphocyte-depleted HL à The neoplastic cells are of the classical R-S type, are very numerous, and the infiltrate is scarce.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL.

This type of HL is characterized by cell growth that takes up under 30% of the affected lymph node. The cellular characteristics of this type of HL is a variant of the R-S cell called "popcorn cells" due to the shape of its nucleus. The infiltrate is predominantly made up of B lymphocytes and histiocytes, while plasma cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils are not present.

This type is seen in less than 5% of cases.