What are vulvar cysts? What causes them? How do they present clinically? Get answers to these questions and more in this detailed guide on vulvar cysts.

Understanding Vulvar Cysts

A vulvar cyst is an encapsulated lesion that contains fluid or semi-fluid material occurring on the external female genitalia. These cysts can develop from various structures normally found in this complex anatomical area.

Who Gets Vulvar Cysts?

Females of any age can present with a vulvar cyst, but certain types of cysts may be more common in specific age groups.

What Causes Vulvar Cysts?

Vulvar cysts can be developmental, genetic, post-traumatic, or spontaneous in nature.

Common Cutaneous Cysts on the Vulva

Several types of cutaneous cysts can occur on the vulva, including milia, epidermoid cysts, and eruptive vellus hair cysts. These cysts can present as discrete, firm or fluctuant lesions that may be asymptomatic or cause discomfort.

Cysts Specific to the Vulvar Area

Certain types of vulvar cysts are specific to the anatomical structures of the vulva, such as Bartholin and Skene duct cysts, vestibular mucinous cysts, cysts of the canal of Nuck, and Gartner cysts. These cysts may have characteristic locations and clinical presentations.

Ciliated Cyst of the Vulva

Remnants of the paramesonephric duct, which develops into the fallopian tube during embryonic development, can form a ciliated or paramesonephric cyst on the vulva. This cyst is typically found incidentally and may be associated with hormonal influences.

Other Cutaneous Cysts on the Vulva

In addition to the more common vulvar cysts, there are rare occurrences of steatocystoma and pilonidal cysts on the vulva. Cutaneous endometriosis can also rarely manifest as a vulvar cyst.

Vulvar cysts can present in a variety of ways, from asymptomatic incidental findings to painful, recurrent lesions. Understanding the different types and their clinical features is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Seeking medical attention for any persistent or concerning vulvar lesions is recommended.

How can one identify the different types of vulvar cysts based on their clinical features? Vulvar milia are typically 1-2 mm, white cysts that are very common on the labia of older women, while epidermoid cysts are larger, solitary or multiple lesions found on the cutaneous aspect of the labia majora.

What are the characteristics of Bartholin and Skene duct cysts? These cysts develop from the Bartholin and Skene glands, respectively, and present as painless or painful swellings at the introitus or near the distal urethra, often containing clear mucoid fluid.

How do vestibular mucinous cysts differ from other vulvar cysts? Vestibular mucinous cysts develop from the minor vestibular glands located on the inner labia minora, and they typically present as a palpable lump or cause pain if inflamed.

What is a cyst of the canal of Nuck, and how does it present clinically? This is a developmental anomaly resulting from incomplete closure of the round ligament, presenting as a skin-colored, asymptomatic swelling in the inguinal area or labium majorum, similar to an inguinal hernia.

Can you explain the connection between Gartner cysts and congenital abnormalities of the urinary system? Gartner, or mesonephric, cysts develop from remnants of the mesonephric duct, which normally regresses in females. These cysts are associated with congenital abnormalities of the metanephric urinary system, such as ectopic ureter or unilateral renal agenesis.

How are ciliated cysts of the vulva related to the development of the female reproductive system? These cysts are formed from remnants of the paramesonephric duct, which develops into the fallopian tube during embryonic development. They are typically found incidentally and may be associated with hormonal influences.

While the majority of vulvar cysts are benign, it is important to be aware of the rare occurrences of more complex cystic lesions, such as steatocystoma, pilonidal cysts, and cutaneous endometriosis on the vulva. Seeking medical evaluation is recommended for any persistent or concerning vulvar lesions.

Vulval cysts | DermNet

Authors: Dr Yi Jia Lee, Resident Medical Officer, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia; Dr Varitsara Mangkorntongsakul, Senior Medical Officer, Central Coast Local Health District, Gosford, NSW, Australia. Copy edited by Gus Mitchell. November 2020

What is a vulval cyst?

A vulval cyst is an encapsulated lesion that contains fluid or semi-fluid material occurring on the external female genitalia. Vulval cysts can develop from any of the structures normally found in this complex area.

Who gets vulval cysts?

Females of any age can present with a vulval cyst; however, a particular type of cyst may be more common in a specific age group.

What causes vulval cysts?

Vulval cysts can be developmental, genetic, post-traumatic, or spontaneous.

What are the clinical features of vulval cysts?

Vulval cysts are dome-shaped, firm or fluctuant, discrete lesions which may be asymptomatic and noticed incidentally, or present due to pain or dyspareunia which may be cyclic, intermittent, or persistent. The location or distribution of the cysts can be characteristic for a particular type of cyst.

See Vulval cyst images.

Common cutaneous cysts on the vulva

Milium

Vulval milia are 1–2 mm, white cysts very commonly seen on examination of the labia of older women. The patient may be aware of the multiple small lumps, but typically they are asymptomatic and an incidental finding.

Epidermoid cyst

Epidermoid cysts are commonly found on the cutaneous aspect of the labia majora of middle-aged and elderly women. The cysts may be solitary or multiple, spontaneous or post-surgical, usually presenting as a painless lump up to a centimetre in diameter. Giant epidermoid cyst of the vulva has been described.

Cysts specific to the vulval area

Bartholin and Skene duct cysts

Cysts of the Bartholin gland or Skene duct contain clear mucoid fluid. Bartholin glands are located towards the back and side of the introitus at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. Skene glands are adjacent to the distal urethra. Cysts may present as a lump, or as painful swelling if the cyst has become infected and an abscess has formed. Bartholin duct cysts are reported to affect 2% of adult women at some time in their life. Skene duct cysts can also present in neonates. Diagnosis is usually made by the anatomic location of the cyst.

Vestibular mucinous cyst

Mucinous cysts develop from minor vestibular glands found on the inner labia minora along Hart lines. Cysts may be found incidentally, present as a palpable lump noticed by the patient, or cause pain should the cyst become inflamed. Vestibular mucinous cysts typically develop between puberty and the fourth decade.

Cyst of the canal of Nuck

A cyst of the canal of Nuck is a developmental anomaly due to incomplete closure of the round ligament and is the equivalent of a spermatic cord hydrocele in males. It presents as a skin-coloured, asymptomatic swelling located in the inguinal area and labium majorum, resembling an inguinal hernia. It is usually detected by five years of age.

Gartner cyst

A Gartner, or mesonephric, cyst develops in remnants of an incompletely regressed mesonephric duct. The mesonephric duct forms the male sexual organs, so should regress completely in the female fetus. Persistent mesonephric duct remnants in a female are usually associated with congenital abnormalities of the metanephric urinary system such as an ectopic ureter, unilateral renal agenesis or hypoplasia. A Gartner cyst is a small solitary unilateral cyst on the front vaginal wall towards one side, which may bulge to present as an interlabial mass in late adolescence.

Ciliated cyst of the vulva

At the ninth week of gestation, the paramesonephric duct develops into the fallopian tube. Remnants of this duct can form a ciliated, or paramesonephric, cyst found incidentally on the labium majorum during pregnancy, puberty, or with other hormonal influences. The lesion is usually a single cyst cavity, 1–3 cm in diameter, and drains clear or amber-coloured fluid if ruptured.

Cutaneous cysts that may occur on the vulva

Eruptive vellus hair cysts

Eruptive vellus hair cysts present as multiple small yellow-brown papules usually on the front of the trunk but have been rarely reported on the labia majora.

Steatocystoma

Steatocystoma is an autosomal dominant skin condition resulting in an abnormal proliferation of the pilosebaceous duct junction. The resultant skin papules drain an oily fluid when punctured. Involvement localised to the vulva has been rarely reported as a late-onset sporadic condition.

Pilonidal cyst

Pilonidal disease is usually found at the upper end of the gluteal cleft, but has been reported as a painless papule or nodule on the vulva, particularly in the area around the clitoris, due to an ingrown hair forming a dermoid cyst.

Endometriosis

Cutaneous endometriosis can rarely occur on the vulva at the site of previous obstetric or surgical trauma. It presents as nodules, patches, or cysts filled with fresh or clotted blood.

What are the complications of vulval cysts?

• Cyst rupture
• Inflammation and infection
• Pressure effects
• Dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse)

How is a vulval cyst diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a vulval cyst is usually clinical based on the age at presentation, location, and appearance. Ultrasound examination or histology of a skin biopsy or excision specimen may sometimes be required.

What is the differential diagnosis for a vulval cyst?

• Vascular lesions — cherry angioma, angiokeratoma, haemangioma, varicosities
• Infections — viral wart, herpes simplex virus, bullous impetigo
• Inflammatory conditions — sebaceous adenitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, bullous fixed drug eruption
• Vulval cancer

What is the treatment for a vulval cyst?

The majority of vulval cysts do not require treatment once the diagnosis has been made. Cysts may be drained, marsupialised, extracted, or excised.

What is the outcome for a vulval cyst?

Vulval cysts are generally benign. Some may resolve or rupture spontaneously. Recurrence can follow surgical intervention particularly if the entire cyst wall has not been removed.

Epidermoid cyst | DermNet

Author: Megan Lam, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada. DermNet NZ Editor in Chief: Adjunct A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand. Copy edited by Gus Mitchell. April 2020.

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What is an epidermoid cyst?

An epidermoid cyst is a benign cyst derived from the infundibulum or upper portion of a hair follicle, encapsulated in a thin layer of epidermis-like epithelium. Epidermoid cysts are typically filled with keratin and lipid-rich debris [1,2].

Synonyms for an epidermoid cyst include:

• Epidermal cyst
• Epidermal inclusion cyst
• Epithelial cyst
• Follicular infundibular cyst
• Infundibular cyst
• Keratin cyst
• Sebaceous cyst (this is a common misnomer, as these cysts do not involve sebaceous glands, nor do they contain sebum).

Epidermoid cyst

Epidermoid cyst

Epidermoid cyst

Palpating an epidermoid cyst

Who gets an epidermoid cyst?

Epidermoid cysts most commonly occur in adults, particularly when young-to-middle aged. They occur twice as frequently in men than in women [3].

Genetic disorders which may increase the risk of developing multiple epidermoid cysts include [1]:

• Gardner syndrome
• Pachyonychia congenita type 2
• Basal cell naevus syndrome.

Syndromes associated with epidermoid cysts

Gardner syndrome

What causes an epidermoid cyst?

An epidermoid cyst generally results from an occluded pilosebaceous unit.

On non-hair-bearing areas of the body, such as the buttock, palm of the hand, or sole of the foot, an epidermoid cyst may be due to traumatic implantation of epidermal cells into the dermis where keratin accumulates within an epithelium-lined sac [2].

What are the clinical features of an epidermoid cyst?

The clinical features of an epidermoid cyst include [4]:

• A firm, flesh-coloured or yellowish round papule or nodule fixed to the skin surface but typically mobile over deeper layers
• Diameter 1–3 cm
• A central punctum
• Foul-smelling cheesy debris can be expressed from the central punctum.

Epidermoid cysts are most common on the central trunk (eg, chest and shoulders) and face but can occur almost anywhere on the body. Epidermoid cysts are common the scrotum and vulva. They may be solitary or multiple, and are generally asymptomatic.

Ruptured cyst

What are the complications of an epidermoid cyst?

Rupture of the cyst contents into the dermis results in swelling, redness, and tenderness. This can be due to trauma or bacterial infection, commonly by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and group A streptococcus [1].

Surgical excision can lead to bleeding, secondary bacterial infection, and scarring. If the cyst has ruptured, or the capsule is not removed in its entirety, the cyst may recur.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma may very rarely arise within an epidermoid cyst [5].

Inflamed cyst

How is an epidermoid cyst diagnosed?

The diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst is usually made clinically.

Biopsy is usually not required but the lesion may be excised for cosmetic reasons or due to complications. Histological features of an epidermoid cyst include [1]:

• A cystic structure in the dermis
• A single cavity (unilocular)
• An epithelial lining without rete ridges and with a granular layer with keratinohyaline granules.

Ultrasound can be used in the initial evaluation of a soft tissue mass but is not usually required for a typical epidermoid cyst.

What is the differential diagnosis for an epidermoid cyst?

Differential diagnoses for an epidermoid cyst include:

• Lipoma — a mobile 2–10 cm dome or egg-shaped subcutaneous lump with a rubbery or soft and smooth consistency
• Trichilemmal cyst — a firm, mobile, 0.5–5 cm subcutaneous nodule without a central punctum, usually presenting on the scalp; it has a thick capsule and is not typically prone to rupture
• Acne pseudocyst — this lacks a capsule and is associated with other signs of acne such as comedones, inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules
• Myxoid pseudocyst — a shiny papule arising at the end of a digit
• Dermoid cyst — this has epidermal and dermal components and arises in early childhood
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related epidermal cyst — a lesion with a hard, keratinous surface.

What is the treatment for an epidermoid cyst?

Most small uncomplicated epidermoid cysts will not require treatment.

The most effective treatment for an epidermoid cyst is complete surgical excision with an intact cyst capsule. Removal of the entire cyst lining decreases rates of recurrence [6]. This can be difficult to achieve following cyst rupture. Histological examination of the surgical specimen is recommended due to the small risk of malignant transformation and misdiagnosis [6].

In cases of infection, initial antibiotics, incision and drainage may be indicated.

What is the outcome for an epidermoid cyst?

Epidermoid cysts are typically benign and slow growing, rarely undergoing malignant transformation. Occasionally, they resolve spontaneously without intervention [1].

References

1. Zito PM, Scharf R. Cyst, Epidermoid (Sebaceous Cyst) [Updated 2019 Dec 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan. PubMed
2. Cuda JD, Rangwala S, Taube JM. Benign Epithelial Tumors, Hamartomas, and Hyperplasias. In: Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS. Eds. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th edition. New York, United States: McGraw-Hill.
3. Weir CB, St.Hilaire NJ. Epidermal Inclusion Cyst. [Updated 2019 Dec 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan. PubMed
4. Endrizzi B. Benign Tumors and Vascular Lesions. In: Soutor C, Hordinsky MK. Eds. Clinical Dermatology. 1st edition. New York, United States: McGraw-Hill.
5. Frank E, Macias D, Hondorp B, Kerstetter J, Inman JC. Incidental squamous cell carcinoma in an epidermal inclusion cyst: a case report and review of the literature. Case Rep Dermatol. 2018;10(1):61-8. doi:10.1159/000487794. PubMed Central
6. Wollina U, Langner D, Tchernev G, França K, Lotti T. Epidermoid cysts – a wide spectrum of clinical presentation and successful treatment by surgery: a retrospective 10-year analysis and literature review. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(1):28–30. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.027. PubMed Central

On DermNet

• Epidermoid cyst pathology
• Cutaneous cysts and pseudocysts
• Trichilemmal cyst

Other websites

• Epidermoid cysts — Mayo Clinic Resource

Books about skin diseases

• Books about the skin
• Dermatology Made Easy book

Vaginal cyst, Gartner’s tract cyst: PHOTO, symptoms

Gynecological Clinic – “Women’s Health Resort Clinic”

Articles about diseases

Vaginal cyst, Hartner tract cyst: diagnosis and treatment

The cost of visiting a gynecologist

Authors of the article: candidate of medical sciences – O.Yu.Ermolaev, experienced gynecologist, physiotherapist-health resort specialist – E.K.Ermolaeva

Gartner’s duct cyst is often referred to as a “vaginal cyst”.

The Gartner tract cyst is located in the broad ligament of the uterus along the lateral wall of the uterus and vagina.

Vaginal cyst, Gartner duct cyst is a rudimentary cyst, i.e. formed from the remnants of the embryonic Wolfian stream. The duct is symmetrical, but the vaginal cyst is rarely bilateral.

Vaginal cyst, Gartner’s passage cyst in most cases is small.

Clinically, the cyst of the vagina manifests itself only when it reaches the wall of the vagina. Women note the “appearance of an elastic bubble” in the vagina when straining.

Sometimes, when straining, this “bubble” completely blocks the entrance to the vagina and is easily painlessly reduced with a finger, or disappears spontaneously (spontaneously) at rest and the woman is lying on her back.

Pay attention to the excellent quality of the photographs taken with our colposcope.

You can find photos of vaginal cysts, cysts of Gartner’s tract, performed by us, on many Russian and foreign sites and in textbooks.

Suppuration of the cyst of the Gartner’s passage is rarely observed.

Suppuration of the Gartner’s tract cyst, vaginal cyst is accompanied by general symptoms of the inflammatory process: pain in the corresponding side of the vagina during exercise, at rest and during sexual intercourse; possible weakness, increased fatigue.

At the beginning of the inflammatory process, the pain in the vagina is aching in nature; with the “maturation” of the pain process, they acquire a pulsating character.

With a digital examination of the vagina, the area of ​​​​the cyst of the Gartner passage, the cyst of the vagina is sharply painful.

The temperature in the vagina due to an inflammatory reaction at any time of the day is 0.3° C or more higher than in the anus or axilla.

If left untreated, purulent fusion of tissues occurs, a fistula (hole) is formed, and pus is poured into the vagina.

Gartner’s passage cyst, vaginal cyst does not interfere with conception and pregnancy.

The cyst of the vagina does not interfere with the process of childbirth and the fetus does not injure, due to its elasticity and ability to “reset”.

Alternative treatment of cysts of Gartner’s course, cysts of the vagina with herbs does not exist.

A cyst of Gartner’s passage, a cyst of the vagina with a small size does not require surgical treatment.

Surgical treatment of vaginal cysts is resorted to when suppuration or cyst reaches a size that makes it difficult to have sexual intercourse.

A number of patients of the Women’s Health Resort Clinic note as a positive moment during sexual intercourse REDUCTION OF THE VAGINA VOLUME due to a cyst that appears with a conscious slight straining.

There is no prevention of the formation, growth or suppuration of a Gartner’s passage cyst, a vaginal cyst.

There are NO LIMITATIONS and features of nutrition, sexual intimacy with a cyst of Gartner’s passage.

It is advisable to AVOID strenuous exercise.

OBSERVATION of the condition of the Gartner’s passage cyst, vaginal cyst is carried out with a regularity of 1 time in 5-6 months.

In the Women’s Health Resort Clinic, it is possible to perform an examination in order to EXACTLY identify the cyst of the Gartner tract and malformations of the genital organs.

Long-term experience of scientific and practical work and the availability of expert-class devices with 3D/4D and elastography modes allow us to implement modern diagnostic techniques and solve diagnostic problems of any complexity.

The remote high-density LED-monitor of the ultrasound device allows the doctor to comment on the dynamic (“live”) image, and the patient to actively participate in the discussion of what he saw.

The capabilities of the diagnostic devices of the Women’s Health Resort Clinic are presented on the website in the articles Colposcopy, Ultrasound of the small pelvis, Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.

Doctors and midwives of the Women’s Health Resort Clinic are ALWAYS READY for regular patients, if face-to-face treatment is impossible, TO COMMENT remotely (by phone, on the Internet) on an existing or new situation and suggest ways to solve it.

Leading specialists in the treatment of vaginal cysts, Gartner’s tract cysts in the Southern Federal District

Ermolaeva Elvira Kadirovna

He is a well-known and recognized specialist in the North Caucasus in the diagnosis and treatment of vaginal cysts, cysts of the Gartner’s passage.

Gynecologist, ultrasound doctor, physiotherapist-resortologist.

Elvira Kadirovna is approached by women who want to improve the aesthetics of the genitals, reduce the vagina and refresh intimate relationships from all regions of Russia and foreign countries.

Ermolaev Oleg Yurievich

Candidate of Medical Sciences, operating gynecologist with 30 years of successful experience in the treatment of vaginal cysts, Gartner’s tract cysts.

Able to see relationships that elude others.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION of the reputation and achievements of the Women’s Health Resort Clinic in the development and implementation of effective and safe treatment methods and the quality of the medical services provided IS THE AWARDING of the Women’s Health Resort Clinic in Pyatigorsk with the SIQS International QUALITY CERTIFICATE in the field of medicine and healthcare. International Socratic Committee, Oxford, UK and Swiss Institute for Quality Standards, Zurich, SWITZERLAND. Read more…

Each doctor of the Clinic has long experience, several specializations and is able to comprehensively assess the situation.

The women’s health resort clinic works WITHOUT DAYS OFF and holidays:

Monday – Friday from 8.00 to 20.00,
Saturday – Sunday from 8.00 to 17.00.

Treatment of vaginal cysts, cysts of Gartner’s passage by appointment by multi-channel phone 8 (800) 500-52-74 (toll-free in Russia), or +7 (928) 022-05-32 (for foreign calls).

Ask a QUESTION ONLINE about the treatment of vaginal cysts in Pyatigorsk at [email protected]

SIGN UP online for the treatment of vaginal cysts here

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With respect for the religion and different habits of our Patients, we achieve high efficiency and comfort of treatment.

We accept girls, girls and women from all cities of Russia, near and far abroad.

We are at your FULL DISPOSAL if you have any doubts or wishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a vaginal cyst be treated? K.Kh., Mineralnye Vody.

Answer:

With a small size of the Gartner’s passage cyst (vaginal cyst), surgical treatment is not required.
Surgical treatment of vaginal cysts is resorted to when suppuration or the cyst of the vagina reaches a size that makes it difficult to have sexual intercourse.
Herbal treatment, alternative and other treatment that promotes the resorption of the Gartner’s cyst (vaginal cyst) does not exist.

I have a paraovarian cyst next to the right ovary with a transition to the posterior fornix, almost 7 cm in size. Will it be able to resolve if it has a hole from which pus comes out when you touch it. Z.M., Cherkessk.

Answer:

Judging by the description, we are talking about the resolution (breakthrough) of a festering cyst of the Gartner passage into the vagina. Even after complete evacuation of the pus, the cyst of the Gartner passage will not disappear (“it will not resolve”).

Gartner’s tract cyst is a contraindication to spa treatment in Pyatigorsk? N.I., Moscow.

Answer:

Gartner’s passage cyst, vaginal cyst is not a contraindication to spa treatment in Pyatigorsk, but requires restrictions: gynecological massage, mud tampons, mud panties and body wraps, including galvanic mud and electric mud, are not desirable.

I have a small vaginal cyst. The gynecologist took a puncture for cytology, but there was no fluid at all, only mucus. She prescribed tampons with troxevasin ointment for 7-10 days. Maybe it was not necessary to do a puncture? Or was the treatment correct? What would be your actions? A.N., Nalchik.

Answer:

It is pointless to discuss what has already been done. The cyst of the vagina does not resolve.

I have a vaginal cyst. The doctor said it was a Gartner duct cyst.
After childbirth, the vaginal cyst increased from 3 by 4 to 5 by 6 cm. Sometimes I feel discomfort. Is it possible to remove a vaginal cyst and what are the consequences after that? V.A., Essentuki.

Answer:

Removal of a Gartner’s tract cyst is a technically difficult operation. There are no specific (characteristic only for this operation) consequences of surgical treatment, there are no relapses (recurrence) of the Gartner’s cyst. But you should always take into account possible general surgical complications.
Thus, if the vaginal cyst (Hartner’s passage cyst) does not cause severe discomfort, further observation is possible.

Is it possible to treat vaginal cysts simultaneously in gynecological and therapeutic programs? What will be the results and planned cost of treatment?

Answer:

We consider a woman/girl as a whole and treat not a disease, but a suffering (sick) person!
We provide a combination of gynecological and therapeutic treatment programs. And in fact, we always adjust the treatment of vaginal cysts, taking into account concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and respiratory systems.
The procedures are combined in such a way that each subsequent one potentiates (strengthens) the action of the previous ones.
The cost of the combined (combined) treatment program, as a rule, exceeds the cost of the main treatment program by no more than 15%.
Sincerely, Chief Physician of the Women’s Health Resort Clinic, Ph.D. honey. Sciences O.Yu. Ermolaev.

Can a Gartner’s tract cyst affect the narrowing of the vagina? M. S., Karachaevsk.

Answer:

A vaginal cyst (Hartner’s passage cyst) can cause a decrease in the volume of the vagina with a conscious slight straining.

Treatment is adjusted according to individual characteristics and previous treatment.

Ask a question by e-mail [email protected]

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Bartholin gland cyst | Dikul Center

Bartholin gland cyst (or vulvar cyst) is a cyst that can form on both sides of the labia, near the entrance to the vagina. The cyst is formed from the Bartholin glands, which produce the mucus needed to lubricate the vagina. The Bartholin glands and labia are part of the female reproductive system.

A Bartholin gland cyst is formed when the outflow of fluid from the opening of the gland is disturbed and mucus accumulates and a tubercle forms. Usually, a cyst develops on only one of the two Bartholin’s glands. Some Bartholin gland cysts are small and do not cause pain. If the cyst becomes infected, then an abscess is formed and pain may appear, and then treatment is required.

Symptoms

In most cases, a Bartholin’s cyst does not cause symptoms and can be detected during hygiene care or after a gynecological examination. Typically, cysts are painless and resolve on their own.

Some women may experience discomfort with movement or during intercourse, while others may experience general swelling of the vulva.

However, the cyst can become infected with bacteria and fester, forming an abscess. When an abscess forms, there may be symptoms such as:

• The presence of a red swollen bump
• Greenish-yellow purulent discharge from swelling
• High fever with chills
• Body aches
• General weakness

Bartholin gland cyst in some cases becomes very large and causes discomfort when walking, sitting, having sex. Even if the cyst is not infected, if it is large, it can cause pain.

Causes

A Bartholin gland cyst forms when there is a blockage in the orifice of the Bartholin gland. The Bartholin glands are located to the left and right of the entrance to the vagina, and they produce mucus that lubricates the tissues of the vagina. With blockage, mucus cannot leave the gland and a cyst forms.

Causes of blockage are not always known, but may include:

• A bacterial vaginal infection, such as E. coli.
• Thick consistency of vaginal mucus
• Injuries of the vagina
• STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Surgical vulvovaginal procedures

Statistics show that 2% of women develop a Bartholin gland cyst during their lifetime. The cyst most often forms in sexually active women between the ages of 20 and 30. As age increases, the risk of developing a cyst decreases, as there is a gradual decrease in Bartholin’s glands and a decrease in mucus secretion.

When should I see a doctor?

A woman should contact her doctor if she develops a painful lump near the entrance to the vagina that does not go away after two or three days of self-care, such as soaking the area in warm water (sitz bath). If the pain is severe, you should immediately make an appointment with a doctor.

You should also contact your doctor immediately if a woman finds a new tumor near the entrance to the vagina and she is over 40 years old. Although such a tumor is rare, it can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as cancer.

Diagnosis

A doctor diagnoses a Bartholin’s cyst during a gynecological examination. The doctor will also take a medical history and take a mucus sample to check for infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.

If the woman is menopausal or postmenopausal, her doctor may recommend a biopsy to rule out vulvar cancer. During a biopsy, a part of the cyst is taken for examination of the tissue in the laboratory under a microscope.

Depending on the woman’s age and the risk of sexually transmitted infections, the doctor may recommend laboratory tests (blood tests for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV).

Treatment

If a Bartholin’s cyst does not cause symptoms, treatment may not be required as it may disappear on its own. However, if a woman notices an increase in the size or change in the shape of the cyst, then she needs to see a doctor.

If the cyst is painful or uncomfortable, your doctor may recommend warm sitz baths several times a day for three to four days. This may improve drainage and rupture of the cyst.

Women are advised not to open the cyst themselves, as this greatly increases the risk of infection.

Medications

Analgesics such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may be recommended to reduce inflammation and pain.

If an abscess has formed, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic such as cipro (ciprofloxacin), rocefin (ceftriaxone), zithromax (azithromycin), or doxycycline to help clear the infection.

If a woman is diagnosed with chlamydia, either a single dose of an antibiotic or a course of treatment can be prescribed. For gonorrhea, a single intramuscular injection of Rocephin (ceftriaxone) is usually recommended. If chlamydia is not ruled out, oral doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for seven days) is recommended.

Specialized Procedures

If the cyst does not resolve after home treatment or the cyst is infected and large, the doctor may prescribe surgical procedures.

Treatment options include:

• Needle aspiration: This procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis and involves inserting a needle into the cyst to suck out pus. This procedure is rarely used because of the high risk of recurrence.
• Incisional Drainage: This procedure involves cutting the cyst and draining the fluid. After that procedure, there are also relapses.
• Insertion of a catheter. This procedure involves inserting a balloon catheter into the cyst after it has been incised and drained.