The congenital cervicovaginal transformation zone in young women exposed to diethylstilboestrol in utero.
Twenty-seven young women exposed in utero to diethylstilboestrol have been studied for greater than 24 months. Serial study of the cervi-covaginal transformation zone has been by the non-invasive techniques of cytology, colposcopy and scanning electron microscopy. Minimal change has been noted in aceto-white areas within the transformation zone and, although some progressive glycogenation has been observed, this has never been to the stage of fully glycogenated epithelium. Scanning electron microscopy has shown maturation of the epithelium although there has been some slowing or arrest of the process at the stage of immature squamous epithelium. The neoplastic potential of this epithelium is discussed.
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003127:Colposcopy; D004054:Diethylstilbestrol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D014621:Vagina / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D004054:Diethylstilbestrol