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Updated: May 23, 2026

Flow-sorting and Exome Sequencing of the Reed-Sternberg Cells of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Published on: June 10, 2017
[Thomas Hodgkin and his disease]
Jan van Gijn1, Joost P Gijselhart
1Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. jan@vangijn.com
Insights
Thomas Hodgkin described a distinct disease characterized by swollen lymph glands and an enlarged spleen. This early work laid the foundation for understanding lymphomas, now known as Hodgkin
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Pathology
- Hematology
Background:
- Thomas Hodgkin (1798-1866), a physician and curator at Guy's Hospital, significantly contributed to modern medicine in England.
- He pioneered organ-based pathology and clinical correlation, working alongside notable physicians like Richard Bright and Thomas Addison.
Discussion:
- In 1832, Hodgkin documented seven cases of a unique condition involving enlarged lymph glands and spleen, distinct from tuberculosis, infection, or cancer.
- This pathological description predated the identification of specific cellular markers, such as Reed-Sternberg cells, which later defined Hodgkin's disease.
Key Insights:
- Hodgkin's meticulous autopsy findings provided the initial clinical and pathological description of what would become known as Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- His work highlighted the importance of detailed pathological examination in identifying novel disease entities.
Outlook:
- The legacy of Thomas Hodgkin extends beyond his medical contributions, encompassing his later humanitarian efforts for minority emancipation.
- His foundational work in pathology continues to influence the diagnosis and understanding of hematological malignancies.
Abstract:
Thomas Hodgkin (1798-1866), born into a family of Quakers, would remain faithful all his life to the principles and rules of the 'Society of Friends'. He studied pharmacy and medicine in London, Edinburgh and Paris. As curator for the museum of pathological anatomy of Guy's Hospital (1825-1837) he introduced modern, organ-based, medicine in England, together with the clinicians Richard Bright and Thomas Addison. In 1832 Hodgkin reported autopsy findings of seven patients who had shown swollen lymph glands and an enlarged spleen, without evidence of tuberculosis, purulent inflammation or cancer. Later the diagnosis 'Hodgkin's disease' would be restricted to lymphomas with giant, multinucleated Reed-Sternberg cells on microscopic examination. Especially in his later years, Hodgkin devoted much time and effort to the emancipation of oppressed or destitute minorities, especially abroad. He died of dysentery on a journey to Palestine and lies buried in Jaffa.
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