Dyskaryosis. (dis-kār-ĭ-ó-sis). Abnormal cytologic changes of squamous epithelial cells characterized by hyperchromatic nuclei and/or irregular nuclear chromatin. May be followed by the development of a malignant neoplasm. Used synonymously with dysplasia, the more common term. Not to be confused with "dyskeratosis". Term used for all squamous mucosal surfaces and commonly used for the uterine cervix condition in which some of the epithelial cells near the external orifice show abnormalities in their cellular nuclei.