Histopathologic Correlation of Atypical Parakeratosis Diagnosed on Cervicovaginal Cytology

Abstract

The isolated finding of atypical PK on a Pap test correlated with the presence of an underlying SIL or invasive carcinoma in approximately 40% of patients. Of these, 80% had low grade SIL. The cytologic finding of atypical PK warrants further investigation in order to exclude SILs and/or carcinoma. We suggest that atypical PK be routinely included in the category of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance.