[A scanning electron microscope study of the fine angioarchitecture of the uterine cervix - the process of mosaic formation and analysis of mosaic patterns].

UNLABELLED

This study was designed to analyze the process of mosaic formation by a newly established cast formation technique utilizing the scanning electron microscope.

RESULTS

1. The angioarchitecture of the mosaic pattern in squamous metaplasia shows only a loop in the minute vessel. 2) The angioarchitecture of the mosaic pattern in neoplastic lesions shows various types of basket-like structures protruding into the epithelial layer from the subepithelial capillary network. 3) The basket formation begins in low degree dysplasia when the interconnection of the hairpin-like vessels protruding into the epithelial layer from the capillary network takes place. 4) The basket is almost completely formed in high degree dysplasia and become much firmer in carcinoma in situ. 5) With advancement of the neoplastic change the basket becomes bigger and deeper, especially at the rim of basket where it becomes much thicker due to the proliferation, conglutination and enlargement of superficial vessels. 6) The destructive changes in the basket appear in early invasive carcinoma and is observed at first on the bottom and rim. This study has elucidated the fine angioarchitecture of various types of mosaic patterns and made it possible to estimate the histological change by colposcopy.