Cytology of the vulva

It was postulated that deficiencies in the technique of smear preparation are responsible for the fact that vulvar cytology lacks the frequent usage it deserves. Vulvar squamous and basal cell carcinoma, Paget's disease, intraepithelial neoplasia and podophyllin-resistant warts were sampled with vulvar cytology. In each case, smears were taken using a spatula, a swabstick and the technique of scraping with a scalpel blade held perpendicular to the tissue after cleaning the surface with saline. The slides were then compared after the abnormal cells had been indicated on the coverslip with an ink dot. Only when the scalpel blade was used was the preparation suitable for diagnosis in every case. Used correctly, vulvar cytology has considerable application for the gynecologist. It permits rapid diagnosis and delineation of lesions and is useful in the long-term follow-up of malignant and potentially malignant conditions.