Acetowhite epithelium.

OBJECTIVE The study was undertaken to provide further understanding of the phenomenon of "acetowhite epithelium". METHODS Solutions of acetic and similar acids were applied to the atypical transformation zone to demonstrate (or not) acetowhite epithelium. RESULTS Acetowhite epithelium is not unique to acetic acid, but can be mimicked by other water soluble carboxylic acids. CONCLUSIONS Acetowhite epithelium is probably due to the reflection of light from the superficial layers of epithelium when they become opaque following the rapid penetration of these non-coagulant fixatives and their effect on nucleoprotein.