Koilocytes, also known as halo cells, are a type of epithelial cell that develops following a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Koilocytes are structurally different from other epithelial cells.
For instance, their nuclei, which contain the cell's DNA, are an irregular size, shape, or color..
A koilocyte is a squamous epithelial cell that has undergone a number of structural changes, which occur as a result of infection of the cell by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Identification of these cells by pathologists can be useful in diagnosing various HPV-associated lesions..
Koilocytes are mature squamous cells with recognizable nuclear and cytoplasmic alterations.
They derive their characteristic morphology in large part because of productive HPV infection.
They are characterized by perinuclear cavitation, binucleation, nuclear hyperchromasia, and nuclear enlargement..
Koilocytes are epithelial cells containing a hyperchromatic nucleus that is acentrically displaced by perinuclear vacuole(s),16 and these morphological alterations are used by pathologists to help identify HPV-infected epithelial cells in Pap smears.May 20, 2008.
Koilocytosis in the cervix is a precursor for cervical cancer.
The risk increases when more koilocytes resulting from certain strains of HPV are present.
A diagnosis of koilocytosis after a Pap smear or cervical biopsy increases the need for frequent cancer screenings.Apr 12, 2018.
The cytological hallmark of an LSIL is the koilocyte ('hollow cell') (Figure 15).
Koilocytes are mature squamous cells with recognizable nuclear and cytoplasmic alterations.
They derive their characteristic morphology in large part because of productive HPV infection..
Pathogenesis.
The atypical features seen in cells displaying koilocytosis result from the action of the E5 and E6 oncoproteins produced by HPV.
These proteins break down keratin in HPV-infected cells, resulting in the perinuclear halo and nuclear enlargement typical of koilocytes..
A koilocyte is a squamous epithelial cell that has undergone a number of structural changes
The atypical features seen in cells displaying koilocytosis result from the action of the E5 and E6 oncoproteins produced by HPV
Koilocytes can be visualized microscopically when tissue is collected, fixed, and stained
Koilocytes may be found in potentially precancerous cervical, oral and anal lesions
These changes occur in the presence of human papillomavirus and occasionally can lead to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Koilocytosis is pathognomonic, though not required, for the diagnosis of low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL)
Koilocytes are squamous epithelial cells with perinuclear cavitation and nuclear features of LSIL, to include nuclear enlargement, coarse chromatin, and irregular nuclear membranes
A common feature of both high- and low-risk papillomavirus infection is the appearance of koilocytes in the differentiated layers of squamous epithelium
Koilocytes are epithelial cells that contain an acentric, hyperchromatic, moderately enlarged nucleus that is displaced by a large perinuclear vacuole
The nuclei are large and coarsely dark
Binucleation is frequentThe cytoplasm is abundant and central cavitation is well developed
Image from The Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology
The nuclear changes of koilocytes are due to an increase in DNA content caused by E6/E7-mediated host DNA synthesis
