| Here a high power view of a biopsy of another case of PV from the oral cavity is shown. Note the marked detachment between cells due to destruction of the intercellular bindings. When these epithelial cells become loose they acquire a rounded shape. These Tzanck cells are of histologic and immunofluorescent diagnostic value for PV. | |
| This photomicrograph of a smear taken from the base of a recently opened vesicle in the oral cavity shows Tzanck cells. Note the swollen and hyperchromatic nuclei which are considered typical for Tzanck cells. If not familiar with the cytologic aspects of PV neophyte pathologists could mistake these cells for malignant cells. The dentist plays an important role in the early diagnosis of PV because of the possibility of performing oral cytologic examination and biopsies. | |