Study of ultrastructural changes of the non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of vulva after focused ultrasound treatment

10.2217/14750708.4.2.181 © 2 Objective: This study was undertaken to investigate the ultrastructural changes of non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva (known as vulvar dystrophies) after focused ultrasound treatment and to assess the effectiveness of such treatment. Materials & methods: In total, 60 patients with non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva were enrolled in this study and treated by focused ultrasound therapy. Before and after treatment, changes to ultrastructures in the treatment region were evaluated using pathological and electron microscopic studies in 30 patients and the short-term treatment effectiveness was assessed. Results: Symptoms of the patients were greatly reduced or even eliminated. There was no itching or pain during sex. Lesions prior to treatment showed various degrees of hyperplastic atrophy and degenerative changes. At the same time, an increase in epithelial keratosic and decrease in melanotic granules and desmosomes was observed. Mitochondria with swelling and capillary contraction were noted. After the focused ultrasound treatment, the epidermis and dermis showed signs of recovery at various levels. The stratified squamous epithelium of vulva had recovered normal stratification and thickness. The pigmentation cells could be obviously seen in the basal layer. Conclusions: The ultrastructural changes of non-neoplastic epithelial disorders of the vulva indicated the disappearance of symptoms of the disease and recovery of the ultrastructures. These results indicate that patients with vulvar dystrophies can be treated with focused ultrasound effectively.