Acetowhite epithelium.
OBJECTIVE
The study was undertaken to provide further understanding of the phenomenon of "acetowhite epithelium".


METHODS
Solutions of acetic and similar acids were applied to the atypical transformation zone to demonstrate (or not) acetowhite epithelium.


RESULTS
Acetowhite epithelium is not unique to acetic acid, but can be mimicked by other water soluble carboxylic acids.


CONCLUSIONS
Acetowhite epithelium is probably due to the reflection of light from the superficial layers of epithelium when they become opaque following the rapid penetration of these non-coagulant fixatives and their effect on nucleoprotein.
MacLean
Allan B
AB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK. amaclean@rfc.ucl.ac.uk
D019342:Acetic Acid; D001706:Biopsy; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000473:pathology*
D019342:Acetic Acid