Koilocyte
Pronunciation: KOY-loh-syt
A squamous epithelial cell showing the cytopathic effect of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, characterised by perinuclear cytoplasmic clearing (halo), nuclear enlargement, and hyperchromasia.
Full Definition
Koilocytes are pathognomonic of HPV-associated mucosal lesions and are a critical histological feature sought in squamous cell papillomas, condylomata acuminata, and HPV-associated dysplasia of the oral mucosa. The term derives from the Greek 'koilos' (hollow), referring to the characteristic perinuclear vacuolation. Identifying koilocytes in an oral biopsy report directs clinical attention to viral aetiology and may prompt HPV subtyping. Editors must preserve the term accurately; describing only 'cytoplasmic clearing' without naming koilocytes may understate the diagnostic significance of the finding.
Usage
Usage note: The plural is 'koilocytes.' When editing, retain the specific term; do not substitute 'cells with cytoplasmic clearing,' which lacks the diagnostic specificity the pathologist intends. In HPV-related oral lesion reports, note whether koilocytes are 'focally' or 'diffusely' present.
In Context
- "High-power microscopy of the oral papilloma revealed numerous koilocytes in the superficial spinous layer, consistent with HPV-associated infection." — Surgical pathology report
- "The editor retained 'koilocytes' as the diagnostic term and did not substitute the author's parenthetical '(cells with perinuclear halos)' for it in the conclusion paragraph." — Pathology case report editing