Parakeratosis Histological definition: abnormal keratinization of the squamous epithelium with persistency of the cell nuclei in the superficial cells. Cytological aspects: presence of usually small, round or polygonal squamous cells with a dense eosinophilic cytoplasm (acidophilic), and a persisting nucleus, more or less pyknotic. This pattern is usually associated with inflammatory conditions. It may be larger squamous cells, resembling superficial squames, with a keratinized cytoplasm and a persisting nucleus. In this situation and if these cells are grouped or become elongated or if the nucei are enlarged, an intraepithelial lesion may be present. Histopathology atlas Cytopathology atlas |