Pathology · single question
What is the origin (etiology) of the papillary tongue lesion with koilocytes on histopathology?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Viral (Human papillomavirus, HPV)
- A. Bacterial lesions (e.g., actinomycosis, syphilitic chancre) do not produce koilocytes on histopathology.
- B. Traumatic lesions (e.g., traumatic fibroma, frictional keratosis) show reactive hyperplasia or scar tissue — not koilocytic change.
- C. Fungal lesions (candidiasis) show pseudohyphae and spores on histopathology — not koilocytes.
- D. CORRECT. Koilocytes are the pathognomonic histopathological finding of HPV infection. A koilocyte is a squamous epithelial cell with a clear perinuclear halo (vacuolization) caused by the viral cytopathic effect of HPV replication. Their presence confirms a VIRAL (HPV) etiology.