Can non-hodgkin's lymphoma ever look like hodgkin's lymphoma even under a microscope?

Occasionally: Occasionally it is difficult to distinguish between them using light microscopy alone. However, using additional techniques such as immunofluorescence and flow cytometry it is not generally a problem. The finding of a specific type of cell called the reed sternberg cell is diagnostic of hodkin's lymphoma.

NO: Pathologists are experts in their field, both lymphomas have their own distinct features, one cannot be mistaken for other , just like a cow can not be mistaken for a horse or horse for a cow.