Leukoplakia of the cervix

Abstract Leukoplakia is a clinically descriptive term for a hyperkeratotic lesion. Eighty-six patients with leukoplakia of the cervix were reviewed and cervicovaginal smears and histologic specimens from 80 of the group were re-examined. Clumps of keratotic, anucleate, squamous cells were the single most consistent cytologic finding. Hyperkeratosis was the most consistent finding on biopsy, being observed in 92 per cent of the cases. A granular layer was noted in 43 per cent and basal cell hyperplasia in 70 per cent of the histologic specimens. In a small but significant number of cases (10 per cent) of leukoplakia, underlying dysplasia or carcinoma in situ was observed. Eighty-two women were followed for a period of time varying from less than one to 19 years. The most significant finding was a progression in the degree of hyperkeratosis.