A COMPARISON OF ORAL AND VAGINAL EPITHELIAL SMEARS

Abstract

THIS study was undertaken for the purpose of comparing the relative merits of oral and vaginal epithelial smears in an attempt to simplify or supplement the clinical method of appraising the endocrine changes during the ovarian cycle in women. Vaginal smears have been shown to be useful in studying the menstrual cycle, and it was felt that similar changes might be reflected in the oral mucosa since the latter possesses certain features in common with the vaginal mucosa, when examined histologically. For example, both areas may simultaneously present signs of leukoplakia, lichen planus, ulcers, and other diseases. On the other hand, there are differences. The oral mucosa is composed of more layers of cells than the resting vaginal mucosa; the outer basal cell layer and the intermediate and superficial cell layers of the vagina do not have exact counterparts in the oral epithelium; the cornified cells, when present, comprise the most superficial layer in the oral epithelium while in the vaginal epithelium the intermediate layer sheds the cornified cells. Despite these differences, if it could be established that the oral mucosa undergoes rhythmic changes as does the vaginal mucosa, the oral smear might prove to be another means of indicating certain hormonal conditions. In some cases, this method could present advantages over the vaginal smear as it is a simpler operation, involves fewer technical difficulties, could be applied to both men and women, and does not arouse the negative emotional response which often hampers or contraindicates the taking of vaginal smears.