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. 2004 Dec;95(3):691-4.
doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2004.08.006.

Acetowhite epithelium

Allan B MacLean  1
Affiliations

Acetowhite epithelium

Allan B MacLean. Gynecol Oncol. 2004 Dec.

Abstract

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.

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