Scanning electron microscopy of exfoliative cervical cytology

The cervical epithelium was studied in 2260 cells with the consecutive LM-SEM method. The purpose of the study was to describe as many cell types as possible and compare these results with the literature. Cells should be related to two diagnoses: that of the individual cell, and that of the tissue from which it originates. Micro-ridges with bars cover the luminal side of normal intermediate and superficial cells. Microvilli with grooves cover the basal side. Microvilli and microridges are intermeshing. Parallel-running plicae form side-to-side junctions. Regional differences on the same cell side were mainly found on normal cells. Metaplasia has some characteristic features. Dysplasia and carcinoma in situ show a continuous process of surface alterations to round cells with irregular microvilli and holes. Malignant cells show many bizarre forms. A quantitative, prospective study on SEM parameters, will be needed to establish prognostic SEM criteria with a high malignancy index.