STUDIES ON THE RED FLUORESCENT PORPHYRIN DEPOSITS ON VAGINA AND CERVIX; A POSSIBLE AID IN THE DETECTION OF MALIGNANCY

Abstract

Summary A study has been made of normally menstruating women to determine the frequence of red fluorescent (porphyrin) deposits at different phases of the menstrual cycle. It was found that 10 per cent of the women studied showed large amounts of this red fluorescent material immediately following each menstrual period, about 28 per cent more showed fairly large amounts following one menstrual period, but not after every menstrual period, while 62 percent of the women showed only traces or no porphyrin postmenstrually. Culture from a swab of the cervix of some of these women showed porphyrin producing organisms of staphylococci, streptococci, actinomyces, diphtheroids., and coli. Biopsy of the cervix of a representative group of these showing red fluorescence and a control group of others not showing fluorescence, failed to demonstrate any evidence of microscopic change produced by this material. A survey of red fluorescent deposits intermenstrually revealed that traces of red fluorescent material in the vagina are not uncommon at this interval, but intensely red fluorescent secretions are rare enough to be regarded as abnormal. The latter finding may possibly prove to be a diagnostic aid in the detection of abnormal uterine flow, not associated with gross bleeding and the limitations and possibilities of this test are outlined. The test for this red fluorescent material is simple and dramatic, and it requires no special apparatus to determine its presence other than a standard “black lamp outfit.” The test is not a substitute for examination, biopsy, curettage, or any of the tests now in use for the detection of malignancy, but may be used as an adjunct to present methods, and should aid in focusing attention on the problem of carcinoma of the uterus.