Pathology · single question
A patient with a tongue lesion shows Koilocytes on histopathology. What is the most likely description of this lesion?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Papillary surface
- A. Koilocytes (HPV-infected keratinocytes with nuclear atypia and a surrounding halo) on histopathology are the hallmark of HPV infection. HPV-induced oral lesions (papilloma, condyloma acuminatum, verruca vulgaris) have a characteristic PAPILLARY, finger-like projections surface — cauliflower-like, exophytic, papillary. This correlates with HPV Types 6 and 11 (low-risk) or 16 and 18 (high-risk) infection.
- B. Smooth surface lesions include fibromas, mucoceles, and lipomas — not HPV-induced lesions.
- C. Erosive lesions include erosive lichen planus and pemphigus — not HPV papilloma.
- D. Ulcerative surface is characteristic of traumatic ulcers, aphthous ulcers, or carcinoma — not HPV papilloma.