Abstract
ABSTRACT
The intradermal depth of the pilosebaceous units of the vulvar skin was evaluated by light microscopy with respect to their geographical distribution in 305 histologic sections from four autopsy cases. The mean hair follicle extension was 1.2 mm (SD = 0.53), with 99.5% of all hair follicles extending no deeper than 2.6 mm into the dermis. The mean depth of sebaceous glands throughout the vulvar skin was 0.64 mm (SD = 0.24), with 99.5% of all sebaceous glands extending no deeper than 1.30 mm into the dermis. The mean depth of dermis–subcutaneous fat junction was 1.2 mm (SD = 0.39), with 95% of all measurements being 0.56 mm or more below the epidermal surface. The results provide baseline data for the appropriate treatment depth of intraepithelial neoplasia with possible extension into the pilosebaceous units of the vulvar skin and for the preservation of the latter's physiologic functions, particularly when using the CO2 laser vaporization technique. (J GYNECOL SURG. 5:183, 1989)
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