Squamous cells showing changes associated with CIN are described as dyskaryotic. The degree of dyskaryosis can be graded and should correspond to the degree of CIN present. Low grade dyskaryosis corresponds to low grade CIN, high grade dyskaryosis to high grade CIN. The presence of dyskaryosis is diagnosed based on the appearance of the nucleus and the grade of dyskaryosis is determined by the N:C ratio.

Squamous cells can show changes associated with HPV infection (koilocytosis). Borderline changes may be diagnosed where abnormal squamous cells do not fulfil the criteria for a diagnosis of dyskaryosis, and allow patients with these changes to be followed up.



Abnormal squamous cells may be present as hyperchromatic crowded groups