What does squamous epithelium in a smear mean in large quantities? What is epithelium. Preparation for the delivery of a smear on a flat epithelium

All glands and mucous membranes in various human organs are covered by an epidermis lining the surface, consisting of various types of cells.

In individual organs, it is classified by different types - squamous (flat) or other various structural types of various configurations characteristic of certain organs of the body. Detection of squamous epithelium in the urine, in a standard general laboratory study of urine, is a very common occurrence.

Human urine, passing its route, washes many vessels and organs that are part of the urinary system. And the discovery during her study of one epithelial cell type, or several, helps the doctor to specify the pathological processes.

After all, it depends on the species of epithelial cells found in the urine sediment, which further direction in the diagnosis the doctor will determine.

Squamous epithelial cells cover the surfaces of all serous membranes of internal organs. Certain sections of the renal tubules of the nephron and the small excretory ducts of the glands consist of its cells. During the passage of urine through the urethral system, leaching or exfoliation of individual particles of the coating or entire layers occurs, which are deposited in the urine sediment.

Causes of the appearance of squamous epithelium in the urine

An interesting fact is that the slight presence of cellular squamous epithelium in female urine and in male urine have a different interpretation of the results. In female urine, such an indicator is quite normal, and in male urine it is a sure indicator of urinary system problems.

The norm of squamous epithelium in the urine in women and men

Studies of urine sometimes show the presence in it of various cellular types of epithelial coating (transitional, renal or flat). This is facilitated by the distinctive features of epithelial cells in various organs, which makes it possible to determine one or another diagnosis.

In the study of urine, both the species classification of epithelial cells and their quantitative ratio are determined. Preliminary diagnostics is based precisely on the species of the cell sediment and its quantity.

When deciphering urine tests by a doctor, certain normative indicators are considered. Small changes in the parameters are acceptable, but in a healthy person, the parameters must meet certain standards.

The norm of the epithelium in the urine:

in children 0-1/Negative;
in men 0-1-2-3-4-5 in the field of view.
in women 0-1-2 in the field of view.

Their going beyond the established standards means the development of negative pathologies in the body. Control data (comparative) of a certain analysis help the doctor assess the rate of development of the pathological process and select the appropriate timely treatment.

As a norm, squamous epithelium in the urine in men is considered to be from three to five cells located in the visibility zone, the area under examination under a microscope.
Normally, in women, squamous cells in urine should not be present at all, or be present in a single manifestation. If a certain amount is exceeded, a control analysis is prescribed to exclude the factor of incorrect urine collection for the study.

Why is squamous epithelium increased in urine in women?

Quantitative normative excess of squamous-type epithelium in female urine usually characterizes pathologies in the urethral system. But, since the squamous type of epithelial coating is a vaginal lining, its appearance in the urine sediment is not associated with urological problems at all, but is due to desquamation in the process of collecting material for analysis. Or it can get into the composition of urine from the urethral canal, or the bladder.

Due to the special anatomical structure of the urethral and reproductive systems, women are prone to an increased tendency to manifest pathologies in the mucous membrane of the tissue structures of the kidneys and the development of inflammatory reactions in the intra-wall structure of the bladder.

The processes of inflammatory reactions cause intense exfoliation of the cellular lining of the mucous membrane, which explains the presence of a large number of squamous epithelial cells in the urine.

Even before the detection of such signs in urine, the following are noted:

decrease in urination;
its turbidity and specific smell;
pain in the lower abdomen;
frequent urge to urinate, accompanied by pain;
the presence of small blood clots in the urine.

Such signs may be the result of genital infections, or which, if desired, can be quickly cured. Or the cause may be hidden in the long course of mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, as a result of which there is an accumulation of "A" immunoglobulin in the kidneys. This causes inflammatory reactions in the kidney tissues and functional disorders in the organ.

The disease is characterized by a slow course and may not manifest itself for years, since no signs are observed at the beginning of development. It is found only after the detection of squamous cell inclusions, erythrocytes and protein compounds in the analyzes. This pathology is characterized by:

foamy and dark urine;
swelling of the limbs;
arterial hypertension;
pain syndrome in the kidney area.

Long-term treatment with analgesics - Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin - also leads to an increase in squamous cell epithelium in female urine.

The consequence of such treatment is the development of oliguria (a quantitative decrease in urination), soreness in the renal zone, intoxication signs.

Causes of increased squamous epithelium in pregnant women

It is the state of pregnancy in women that causes an increased titer of squamous epithelium in the urine, which is quite typical and does not cause much concern.

During this period, the urine excretion system works in an enhanced mode, women are characterized by frequent urination, which contributes to the desquamation of the epithelial cover.

In addition to everything, in the process of carrying a pregnancy, the enlarged uterus compresses the urethral organs, as a result of which their anatomical position changes, so the cellular normative indicators in the analyzes may differ slightly from the norm.

The excess of the norms of the presence in the analyzes of the squamous epithelium is of concern, as this is a sure sign of the development of urethritis,.

Inflammatory reactions can spread very quickly, and appropriate measures must be taken urgently to protect the fetus.

The allowable rate of sediment in the urine in pregnant women should not exceed 5 cells in the visibility zone. In such situations, the patient should be under the full supervision of a doctor. Early diagnosis will help eliminate the cause with minimal "losses".

Epithelial cells in urine tests are found even in infants, this can be explained by new living conditions, when the child needs to adapt to them, which is considered quite acceptable.

With the growth of the child, the normative indicators completely change, they should not exceed one to three units of the cellular presence in the urine test. A quantitative excess means the same causes that are typical for adults - infections and inflammation in the urinary system.

In order to avoid an erroneous diagnosis, the collection of urine for research must be carried out in compliance with all hygiene rules and sterilization of the container for the material.

A sharp increase in the urine of a squamous epithelium in a child indicates undesirable changes in his fragile body:

The development of inflammation processes in the urinary system, urethritis or cystitis.
Inflammatory reactions in the genitals.
Renal pathologies and exacerbation of congenital kidney diseases.
On disorders of blood circulation in the excretory system.
Urolithiasis and increased urinary excretion of salt formations.
About possible neurological pathologies that provoke urinary retention in the bladder.
About the reverse course of urine (reflux).
Spasm of the urinary system and salt deposits as a result of long-term pharmacotherapy.
On purulent processes, poisoning and other intoxication processes.

What needs to be done? - treatment and drugs

At the first sign of urination discomfort, you should immediately visit a doctor and take the necessary tests, collected in accordance with all the rules, in order to avoid repeating the procedure and making mistakes in diagnosis. Methods of treatment will depend on the results of the analysis, indicators of urinary sediment.

If urethritis is detected, a course of antibiotic therapy with Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Cefazolin or Ceftriaxone is carried out.

Immunostimulants and vitamin therapy are prescribed. Throughout the course of treatment (up to 10 days), a sparing diet is recommended, excluding spicy and fried foods, drinking plenty of water and excluding drinks containing alcohol.

Chronic urethritis is treated with antiseptic drugs injected into the urethral canal by drip. The duration of the treatment course is determined depending on the severity of the process and is prescribed individually.

Inflammatory reactions in the bladder are stopped by antibiotic therapy - Levoflaxocin, Furadonin, Ofloxacin, Bactrim. Non-steroidal painkillers are added - drugs of the Canephron, Fitolizin, Cyston class, or their analogues.

If the cause of the pathology is renal nephropathy, the medications taken, which may be involved in the manifestation of such pathology, should be urgently excluded.

Treatment is carried out using hormonal therapy - Triamcinolone, Prednisalone, etc. according to an individual treatment regimen. Self-selection of drugs and self-treatment will only complicate the situation.

It should be remembered that effective treatment and the absence of complications are possible only with early diagnosis.

It is a mandatory procedure that allows you to assess the general condition of the body and identify possible diseases and abnormalities in the urinary system. Various cells may be present in the urine: leukocytes, erythrocytes, etc. The epithelium in the urine becomes the cause of the development of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.

Epithelial cells are in most cases always present in the urinary sediment. The epithelium lines the mucous membrane of the genitourinary, respiratory and digestive systems, covers the skin surface, glands.

There are several types of it:

flat epithelium. These cells are round and large. They are colorless in appearance and have a nucleus. Present in the urine in a single copy or in layers.In men, this type of epithelium enters the urine from the lower part of the urethra. In female urine, cells are always noted and may come from or from the urethra. With an increase in the amount of squamous epithelium, infectious processes of the urinary tract are diagnosed.
transitional epithelium. Cells come in various sizes and shapes: cylindrical, rounded, polygonal. They may have one or more cores. They have a yellowish tint. Transitional epithelium covers the ureters, pelvis, and upper urethra. If the epithelial cells of this type are elevated, then this is observed in the following diseases: cystitis, urolithiasis. The entry of transitional epithelium into the urine may indicate, and stones.
renal epithelium. When these cells are detected, pathology is diagnosed. The presence of epithelium may indicate pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, infectious diseases, etc. In the presence of renal epithelium, an increase in body temperature is almost always observed.

The direction of diagnosis depends on which of these cells are present in the urine.

Diagnostics

To identify squamous cells, the patient must pass urine. It is collected in a sterile container. A special jar can be bought at a pharmacy, or if there is a capacity of about 100 ml at home, then it must be washed well and then poured over with boiling water.

Before collecting urine, a woman should carry out hygiene procedures and wash herself.It is important to remember that you need to collect only the middle portion of urine. She is more informative.

In the laboratory, a morphological study of urine sediment is performed:

Urine (10-12 ml) is added to the test tube.
Further, after centrifugation, after 15-20 minutes, the liquid is drained, and the precipitate is left for further examination under a microscope.
The sediment is stirred and a drop is added to a glass slide, where the content of formed elements in the field of view is studied under the eyepiece.
After that, data on the number of epithelial cells "large", "insignificant", "moderate" are entered.

For indicators fall within certain limits. An increase in the indicator indicates. The preliminary diagnosis that the doctor can make after receiving the results is.

Regular helps to assess the degree of progression of the disease and take timely action.

Normally, both men and women should not have epithelial cells in the urine. No more than 3-4 units are allowed. This is due to the exfoliation of cells from the mucous membrane of the urinary tract. As a result, they enter the urine and are washed out of the body.

In newborns and children of the first weeks of life, the normal indicator is 0-10.

An increase in the indicator may not be the cause of any pathology. A slight excess of the norm is the result of improper collection of urine (the first portion instead of the middle one) or if hygiene is not observed before the procedure.

Increase in epithelial cells in women

An increase in the number of squamous cells in the urine is a sign of urinary tract disease

An increase in epithelial cells in the urine can be even in the absence of urological problems. The squamous epithelium lines the vagina and may be introduced during urine collection. However, a small amount enters the urethra from the bladder and urethra.A very high content of the epithelium in the urine may indicate the development of cystitis, nephropathy.

Cystitis is most common in women. This is due to the physiological structure of the urinary organs. The content of the epithelium in the urine during inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder significantly exceeds the norm, so the cells begin to exfoliate more intensively.

Even before the discovery of the epithelium in the urine, a woman may experience the following symptoms:

Painful urination
Presence of small blood clots in the urine
Lower abdominal pain

Usually a woman passes a small amount of urine, cloudy in color and with an unpleasant odor. These signs may indicate other disorders: thrush, urethritis, etc.In some cases, the disease can go away on its own, the symptoms decrease. In this case, the number of epithelial cells returns to normal.

Berger's disease (lg-A nephropathy) is a pathological disorder in which immunoglobulin A accumulates in the kidneys.

As a result, this can lead to an inflammatory process, due to which functions are impaired.The disease progresses slowly and may not make itself felt for many years. It is not possible to cure the pathology, however, there are drugs that help slow down the development.In the initial stages, symptoms are not detected. The disease is detected only after the delivery and detection of epithelial cells,.

For more information about urinalysis, see the video:

This pathology can lead to serious disorders in the functioning of the kidneys. In the last stages of the disease, the patient may experience the following symptoms:

Urine dark and foamy
Swelling of hands and feet
Pain in the right or left side of the back

In case of suspicion of nephropathy, an additional examination is prescribed:, and a kidney biopsy.There is also analgesic nephropathy, which is caused by the use of analgesics: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, etc. The risk of development is noted in people who use such drugs for a long time to eliminate pain during.Against this background, the patient may have a decrease in the amount of urination, pain in the sides, nausea, vomiting, etc.

epithelial cells in men

In the urine of men, epithelial cells are rare. However, if these cells are present in the urine in large numbers, then this may indicate possible pathologies of the urinary system:

Urethritis
Cystitis
Pyelonephritis
Glomerulonephritis
Stones in the kidneys

Most often, against the background of an increase in the content of squamous epithelial cells in men, urethritis is detected. This is an inflammation of the urethra - the urethra. The man in this case complains of painful urination. The foreskin becomes edematous and red, soreness of the penis is observed.

It is important to consult a urologist in a timely manner, otherwise purulent discharge may appear.

Very often, urethritis is confused with prostatitis due to similar symptoms. An increase in the content of the epithelium in the urine can cause prostatitis - inflammation of the prostate gland. Untreated urethritis most often turns into prostatitis with further complications.

Treatment Method

At the first sign of burning and pain during urination, you should consult a doctor. A qualified specialist will prescribe an examination and, based on the results of the analysis, prescribe treatment:

If the presence of epithelial cells is due to the development of urethritis, then antibiotic therapy is performed: Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Cefazolin, Ceftriaxone, etc. In addition to antibiotics, the doctor may prescribe immunostimulants and vitamin complexes. The patient should consume a large amount of liquid during the entire course, exclude spicy and fried foods, as well as alcoholic beverages. The duration of treatment does not exceed 10 days. In the chronic form of urethritis, instillation of antiseptic agents into the urethra. Based on the stage of the disease, a course of treatment is prescribed.
With cystitis, complex treatment is carried out. To destroy pathogens, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed: Levofloxacin, Furadonin, Ofloxacin, Bactrim, etc. Together with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are used. From herbal preparations, they can be prescribed: Canephron, Fitolizin, Cyston, etc.
If the content of epithelial cells is caused by nephropathy, then it is necessary to cancel the drugs that led to the development of this pathology. Treatment consists in the use of hormones: Triamcinolone, Prednisolone, etc.

It should be remembered that in each case an individual scheme is assigned. It is not recommended to use drugs on their own, as it can aggravate the course of the disease.

The epithelium in the smear can be detected during a cytological examination of the cervix. To do this, you need to visit a gynecologist. Preventive examination is carried out 2 times a year. If you experience pain and discharge with a smell, it is recommended to seek medical help immediately. A smear for cytology must be taken with a weak immune system and with an active sexual life.

The vagina and cervix are lined with squamous epithelium. In order to identify the epithelium in the smear and obtain accurate results, the patient must properly prepare for the collection of the material. The smear is taken on the 5th day of the menstrual cycle. 24 hours before the study, you need to give up sex, vaginal products, douching. Otherwise, the amount of squamous and cylindrical epithelium in the material will be below normal.

The sample is collected with a special spatula. Cells are taken in the place where the squamous and cylindrical epithelium joins. The sample is then spread on the glass. The transitional epithelium must be collected correctly, as the malignant process begins to develop from below, gradually progressing to the surface. If the upper layer has entered the sample, then the last stage of cancer can be diagnosed.

If there are squamous cells in the sample, this is considered normal. Its absence or insufficient amount is associated with atrophy. The squamous epithelium in the smear consists of 3 layers. Its composition depends on the phase of the menstrual period. In women, in a smear, the norm of epithelial cells is 3-15 units. in sight. In men, this figure should be in the range of 5-10 cells. Its elevated concentration indicates the presence of acute inflammation or infection. If the result of the study shows the presence of altered cells, then dysplasia has developed in the woman's body.

To identify violations in the keratinization of the squamous epithelium in a smear, a specialist studies accumulations of non-nucleated cells. In the cervical canal, a cylindrical mucus-producing epithelium with a secretory function is concentrated. In a normal smear, a slight accumulation of such cells can be detected. With ectopia, there is a displacement of the surface epithelium and its replacement with a flat analogue.

Types of epithelium in the cervix

If the original squamous epithelium is part of the cervix of girls, then such patients suffer from infertility or they have problems with the menstrual cycle. In this case, a colposcopy is prescribed. If such cells are detected in women aged 25-40 years, then the help of a gastroenterologist will be required.

The colposcope evaluates the effect of hormones on the epithelium of the organs of the female reproductive system.

In women in position, cells stained in a bluish-red hue are detected. Women of childbearing age are characterized by an epithelium with a pink surface. In this case, the vessels are not visible. There is a border between flat and cylindrical epithelium. Atypical epithelium can be detected if a clear border is observed along the entire contour. Otherwise, the patient's colposcopy is replaced by a Papanicolaou smear.

Atrophic squamous epithelium is more common in older women.

To make an accurate diagnosis, an additional examination of the patient is carried out. Treatment is prescribed in each case individually. Do not self-medicate or use traditional medicine without consulting a doctor.

Diagnosis and treatment

The amount of epithelium in a smear in women depends on various factors, including menopause, hormone intake, and personal hygiene. If the level of these cells is below normal, then a hormonal failure is observed in the patient's body. A significant concentration of atypical cylindrical epithelium indicates the development of oncological ailments. A high content of the epithelium in the sample is observed in urethritis and infectious diseases. In this case, urgent treatment is carried out.

An increased concentration of squamous epithelium in a smear, pain and other symptoms indicate the development of vaginitis. The vagina can become inflamed due to infection and the cessation of the menstrual cycle. Antibiotics, antifungals, and other medicines are used to treat infectious vaginitis. If necessary, additional tests and procedures are prescribed. You can not take medications on your own, the doctor prescribes the correct dosage and duration of the course of treatment.

A significant concentration of squamous cells in a smear in men or women indicates inflammation of the urethra. The causative agents of this disease are viruses and bacteria (gonococci, chlamydia). Urethritis develops as a result of injury or with increased sensitivity to Spermicide. This disease can get sick faster:

women and men aged 20-35;
people who often change their sexual partner;
people who prefer unprotected sex (without condoms).

Features of urethritis

With the development of urethritis in men, doctors distinguish the following symptoms:

blood and pain when urinating;
burning;
discomfort;
swelling of the penis;
pain during intercourse.

In women, this disease is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and discharge. With infectious urethritis, antibiotics and analgesics are prescribed. The course of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and its form. If abnormal cells are found on the cervix, then urgent therapy is prescribed. To do this, doctors use modern techniques, including laser diagnostics, cryotherapy, diathermy. If necessary, complex therapy is prescribed. The cervix and uterus are removed if there is a high chance of developing cancer. The operation is performed in a medical institution and requires a long rehabilitation period. In this case, the woman experiences menopause.

With the help of a cytological study, it is not always possible to obtain a reliable result indicating the presence of a pathological process. In this case, there is atrophic wrinkling of the vagina and difficult tissue sampling from the cervical canal. In the process of taking a smear for cytology, atrophy is difficult to differential diagnosis. To identify pathology, doctors use other laboratory tests.

If a flat epithelium is found in a smear, then we can talk about the presence of a pathological process caused by various reasons. Usually a trip to the gynecologist is accompanied by a smear on the microflora. The doctor on it determines the condition of the mucous membrane of the vaginal cavity and possible infection. The correct interpretation of the smear is only possible for a doctor who is a specialist in this field.

Cell types

Squamous epithelium is a concept that combines a set of cells that form the mucous layer of many organs, such as the vaginal cavity, cervix, urethra, etc. The tissue performs a protective function. Under normal circumstances, every woman should have a certain amount of epithelial cells. In their absence or insufficient quantity, one can judge a lack of estrogen or atrophy of epithelial cells.

Squamous epithelium in a smear is represented by three types of cells:

Superficial.
Intermediate.
Basal-parabasal.

Cellular concentration in women will vary with the period of the menstrual cycle. In women of reproductive age, epithelial cells are constantly undergoing restructuring and are completely replaced every 4-5 days.

The squamous epithelium is the vaginal mucosa, while the columnar epithelium cells provide secretory functionality. Speaking of cylindrical epithelium, it is worth noting that it is lined with the cervical canal. These cells should normally be located in small clusters, resembling honeycombs or represented by a strip. You can find cells in the form of glasses, where the elongation of the cytoplasm is due to the presence of mucus. Less commonly, granules of secretory functionality can be found in cells. Ectopia is a physiological process that occurs in the cervix, when the cylindrical epithelium is displaced by the squamous epithelium.

At various stages of the period between periods, squamous epithelial cells in a smear may change slightly. Surface epithelial cells can be divided into keratinized and non-keratinized. Their ratio changes in different phases, therefore, normal indicators in a healthy state of the body are taken into account.

Transitional epithelium in a smear is a fairly normal phenomenon if the indicator is not higher than 15 units. If normal values are exceeded, one can judge the presence of pathological processes or a recent infection. When the cellular structure changes, the presence of neoplasms can be suspected, which, in turn, can be benign or malignant.

Indications for analysis

There are reasons that cause the appointment from the vagina or urethra to detect the presence of infection or inflammation in the genitourinary system:

The presence of discharge from the vaginal cavity, which cause suspicion and cause discomfort.
Pain syndrome that appeared in the lower abdomen.
The appearance of itching and other unpleasant sensations in the genitals.
The use of antibiotics for a long period.
Before pregnancy.
Medical examinations.

Norm and deviations

The indicator of the presence of epithelial cells in the discharge from the vaginal cavity will be affected by the following: menstruation, menopause, the use of hormone-containing agents, and so on.

In any case, in women, the allowable number of epithelial cells is 3-15 units in the visibility zone. In a smear in men, this indicator ranges from 5-15 cells in the visibility zone.

In the case of a reduced indicator of the content of squamous epithelium in a smear, one can judge a hormonal failure that occurred for various reasons, for example, during early menopause. If there is too high a concentration of epithelial cells, the development of an oncological disease, for example, cervical cancer, is suspected. In addition, a large amount of epithelium indicates the possible development of cervicitis, urethritis and other types of infection.

If the process of keratinization of epithelial cells in a smear is disturbed when cytology is performed, then this indicates the accumulation of non-nuclear tissue cells of the squamous epithelium. When an analysis is carried out to identify the inflammatory process, too active tissue renewal is recorded. It is important to remember that the results of the smear analysis are influenced by hygiene, taking certain medications, and so on.

To obtain the most accurate result (what composition contains the transitional epithelium), a few days before the analysis, you should not swim, douche, use spermicidal ointments and other intravaginal contraceptive preparations, and also put vaginal suppositories.

In some cases, doctors recommend that you stop having sex at this time. If these rules are not followed, the epithelial cells in the smear may be present in too small quantities, and the analysis will not show a real picture that speaks of the patient's health.

A correctly performed smear should contain cells of stratified squamous, cylindrical and glandular epithelium, vaginal flora, mucus, and a small number of neutrophils. The ratio of components, the state of each type of cell allows the doctor to detect early pathology of the female and male genital tract.

What is epithelium

All tissue and organ surfaces are protected by integumentary epithelial cells. Depending on the function of the tissue, the intensity of the mechanical load on it, the lining has a different structure and thickness. The skin exposed to the greatest external influences is covered with stratified squamous keratinized epithelium. Layering is inherent in the lining of individual sections of the respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary tracts. This is due to the proximity to the external environment, the frequency of contact with microbial agents.

Flat

The external genital tract has heterogeneous covers. The vagina and outer part of the cervix (exocervix) are lined with stratified squamous epithelium. As the young (basal) layer matures, it seems to be pushed out from the membrane, changing the cell shape and size. The cytogram contains a flat epithelium of the surface layer - the most mature elements with a small nucleus, abundant cytoplasm. The cylindrical epithelium in a smear in women represents the lining of the internal os, part of the cervical canal.

Glandular

The cervical canal is covered with secretory type epithelial cells (endocervix). They produce mucus, the accumulation of which in the canal creates a kind of plug that protects the uterine cavity from infection. A correctly performed smear contains endocervix cells, they make up approximately 10% of the cellular components. But if there is a lot of glandular epithelium, then a consultation with a gynecologist is required to exclude proliferative processes, polyps of the cervical canal.

Cylindrical

The bulk of the smear is squamous epithelial cells. Among them there are small groups of cylindrical, lining a narrow transitional area (internal pharynx) of the cervix. The absence of such a cellular composition may indicate a dysfunction in the production of the hormone estrogen, more often of a menopausal nature. Occurs in cystic lesions of the ovaries. Prismatic cells are the same cylindrical, but flattened. Appear in the smears of elderly patients, they are a sign of atrophic, dystrophic processes.

The norm of epithelial cells in a smear

The qualitative and quantitative composition of smears taken for cytology depends on two factors. The first is the condition of the patient's genital tract. The second is the correctness of taking material for a cytological preparation. Cells of the vaginal, cervical, cervical epithelium in women, cells of the squamous and urethral epithelium in men should get on the glass. Only in this case, the doctor will be able to properly assess the diagnostic material.

Among women

Squamous epithelial cells predominate in a smear for cytology, but one field of view should not contain more than twenty units. The presence of several less mature intermediate cells from the middle (granular) layer is considered the norm. About 10% of the cellular composition falls on the cylindrical and glandular components. The flora is represented by rod-shaped and coccal bacteria, the predominance of one or another variety depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. The presence of single neutrophils is acceptable.

In men

Normal laboratory analysis in men includes cells of the stratified squamous and urethral type. The lining of the urethra is multi-row, there is no division into layers (as in the cervix). For this reason, the urethral component is represented by the same cellular elements - prismatic transitional type. Urine inclusions (a few salt crystals) may be present. Permissible single cocci, no more than five elements of the inflammatory series (neutrophils, leukocytes).

What does a large amount of epithelium in a smear mean?

A normal cytogram in a flora smear contains 12-20 epithelial cells per field of view. The excess content of the squamous component indicates irritation, accelerated rejection of the integumentary layer. The cause may be inflammatory processes of various etiologies, then the doctor will see a significant number of leukocytes in the preparation (normally no more than five). The causative agent is often found: Trichomonas, gonococci, viral inclusions.

In the absence of elements of inflammation, one should think about leukoplakia, other types of dyskeratosis. A similar picture shows allergic reactions to local medications (contraceptives, medicinal ointments, suppositories). Moderate irritation is often caused by hygiene products. The epithelium of the cervix during pregnancy may be somewhat more abundant, the cellular cytoplasm has signs of decidual metamorphosis, this is a variant of the norm.

The cytological picture in men varies, the squamous component may increase with age, but its number should not exceed 15 units in one field of view. The abundance of epithelial masses, impurities of mucus, leukocytes indicate an inflammatory process. Self-treatment attempts should not be made, this can lead to a subsidence of symptoms without eliminating the cause of the disease.