Illustration of T cell white blood cells attacking a Hodgkin's lymphoma cell. Hodgkin's lymphoma, or Hodgkin's disease, is a malignant (cancerous) tumour (neoplasm) that develops in the lymphoreticular system and originates from lymphocyte white blood cells. It is differentiated from other lymphomas by the large multinucleated cells (Sternberg-Reed cells, centre). T lymphocytes, or T cells, are a type of white blood cell and a component of the body's immune system. They recognise a specific site (antigen) on the surface of a pathogen or cancerous cell, bind to it, and attract antibodies or cells to eliminate it.