Exfoliative cytology in a case of prolapsed fallopian tube.

The appearances of cells from a prolapsed fallopian tube found in a vault smear are described, and the differential diagnosis is discussed. It is concluded that if the distinctive appearance of the small, regular and occasionally ciliated columnar cells with granular nuclei and prominent nucleoli are recognized, it may be possible for the cytologist to help the clinician differentiate the unusual condition of a prolapsed fallopian tube from other vault "granulations". Prolapse of the fallopian tube is a rare complication of hysterectomy. This is a report of the cytologic findings in a vault smear from a patient suffering from this complication.