Mucosal Cytology in the Determination of the Pubertal Status in Girls

Abstract

Aim: To assess and validate the diagnostic value of buccal and vaginal smears in the ambulatory care of girls with potential disorders of puberty. Methods: Smears were obtained from 77 girls who presented for assessment of their pubertal status, stained as described by Papanicolaou, examined for signs of estrogenization according to the method of Schmitt, and compared with the clinical status. Results: Vaginal but not buccal smears reflect accurately the changes of sexual maturation, even more sensitive than single serum hormone measurements. Conclusions: Vaginal smears represent a valid, reproducible, and well-tolerated diagnostic tool in the ambulatory care of peripubertal girls to identify their estrogen status with high sensitivity and specificity. The decision to perform confirmative but invasive diagnostic procedures can be based on auxology, physical examination, bone age determination, and analysis of vaginal smears.

The Comparative Analysis of Buccal Exfoliated Cells in the Pediatric and Adolescent Age Groups Among the Dravidian Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…It is known that these hormonal stimuli generate distinct changes in the morphology of the epithelium in the buccal and vaginal mucosae. The degree of cell maturation increases with the number of superficial cells in the epithelium [7].…”

“…It is known that these hormonal stimuli generate distinct changes in the morphology of the epithelium in the buccal and vaginal mucosae. The degree of cell maturation increases with the number of superficial cells in the epithelium [ 7 ]. It has been proved in vaginal smears that the degree of maturation of exfoliated cells is highly influenced by hormonal changes.…”

Vaginal microbiocoenosis and cytology of prepubertal and adolescent girls: their role in health and disease

“…Cytological evaluation of vaginal cells is an important diagnostic method used in identifying vaginal disorders ( Fig.). [1][2][3] Such an analysis reveals vaginal epithelial status, presence or absence of infl ammatory changes, and etiological factor(s) causing vaginal symptomatology. [4][5][6][7][8][9] An examination of cervical cytology has proven useful in cervical cancer screening for adolescent and adult females.…”