Practical Application

Abstract

Cytodiagnosis (the Papanicolaou test) has become a most important procedure in the gynecological examination. Study of the vaginal secretions is especially useful for:

• a) evaluating ovarian function:

• By ascertaining the proliferative state of the vaginal epithelium, the state of hormonal function may be determined.

• b) making a microbiological diagnosis:

• One may determine what microorganisms are in the vagina (bacterial, fungal, protozoan).

• c) detecting malignant tumors, especially carcinomas:

• By searching for tumor cells in vaginal secretions, the preclinical carcinomas or precancerous dysplasias of the portio vaginalis may be detected early.