Pathology · single question
A clinical case describes an HPV lesion with koilocytes on histopathology. What specific cells are identified on biopsy?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Koilocytes
✓ A) Koilocytes are correct.
Koilocytes are HPV-infected epithelial cells with a characteristic appearance: large, clear perinuclear halo (cytoplasmic clearing) with a wrinkled/raisinoid hyperchromatic nucleus. They are pathognomonic for HPV infection. The viral replication causes cytoplasmic vacuolization. Koilocytes are found in squamous papilloma, condyloma acuminatum, and verruca vulgaris. Their presence on biopsy confirms HPV etiology. Tzanck cells (acantholytic cells) = pemphigus. Civatte bodies = lichen planus.
Koilocytes are HPV-infected epithelial cells with a characteristic appearance: large, clear perinuclear halo (cytoplasmic clearing) with a wrinkled/raisinoid hyperchromatic nucleus. They are pathognomonic for HPV infection. The viral replication causes cytoplasmic vacuolization. Koilocytes are found in squamous papilloma, condyloma acuminatum, and verruca vulgaris. Their presence on biopsy confirms HPV etiology. Tzanck cells (acantholytic cells) = pemphigus. Civatte bodies = lichen planus.