[Morphologic changes in the epithelium of myocutaneous pectoralis major islands flaps. A light and electron optic study].

On a long-term basis, the epithelium of pectoralis major flaps incorporated in the mouth and the oropharynx is macroscopically and microscopically very similar to the sourrounding mucosa. Light microscope and electro microscopic investigations show that the type of keratinization of the epithelium of this flap has changed from orthokeratosis to parakeratosis which is typical for the mucosa of the mouth. The possible reasons for these changes, which, to our knowledge, have not been described before, are discussed.