EpistemisUninfected Bartholin's gland cyst
Specialty: Gynecology and breast.
Why it occurs
- Non-infectious obstruction of the excretory duct of the Bartholin gland due to thick mucus, previous minor trauma or scars from previous episiotomies that obliterate the glandular meatus
Initial workup
Gynecological examination and vulvar palpation (an ovoid, mobile mass, painless or slightly uncomfortable on pressure, of elastic consistency, located in the posterior third of the labia majora, is observed). High-resolution vulvar ultrasound to characterize the cyst (thin-walled, homogeneous anechoic content). Biopsy by excision of the cyst if the patient is postmenopausal.
red flags
Rapid increase in unilateral size that causes marked vulvar asymmetry, stone induration located in the posterior third of the labia majora in women over 40 years of age (suspected adenocarcinoma of the Bartholin's gland that must be discarded), bleeding or ulceration of the overlying skin.
Standard management
- There are no effective drugs available to dissolve or reduce the size of the uninfected cyst. In young asymptomatic patients with small 1-2 cm cysts, expectant management without medical treatment is recommended. If the cyst is symptomatic due to size (it interferes with intercourse, ambulation or dressing), the treatment of choice is surgical marsupialization or placement of a Word catheter in consultation (note: avoid simple aspiration puncture since the cyst usually recurs immediately when the puncture is closed).
Educational guidance for study. It is NOT a prescription recommendation. The actual choice depends on the cause, the patient, and current guidelines.
- Area
- Gynecology and breast
- Listed causes
- 1
- Treatment options
- 1