Bartholins Gland Cysts

Bartholin's cyst

A female has a specialized gland called Bartholin's gland on each side of the vaginal opening which makes fluid that lubricates the vagina. When the gland's opening becomes obstructed, the fluid backs up. This results to a swelling called cyst. [1] The cyst can be as small as a pea to as large as a marble. [2] They usually are slow-growing. If there is an infection of the fluid, an abscess may develop. [3]

Causes

A Bartholin's gland cyst results from a blocked duct exiting the gland. In effect, there would be fluid accumulation and subsequent swelling to form a cyst. When the cyst gets infected, the result is an abscess. [4]

Bartholin's abscesses are caused by many types of bacteria. A bacteria normally found on the intestinal tract called Escherichia coli can be one. Other causative agents are bacteria transmitted sexually like the pathogens behind gonorrhea.[4]

Symptoms

If the cyst is small and there is no infection, the patient may not notice it. [3] Uninfected cyst may be present as a painless lump in the vulva about 0.25 inches to 1 inch and may be accompanied by redness and swelling. [2] If it grows greater than one inch in diameter, the patient may have discomfort while sitting or during a sexual intercourse. [5]

An infected cyst causes significant pain and swelling. It is usually reddened and tender. The patient will have difficulty sitting and walking. Usually, the affected person does not develop fever.Vaginal discharge may be present especially if the causative agent is sexually transmitted. [4]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Bartholin's gland cyst is often made by physical examination. To properly identify the organism causing the infection, a culture is done. The swab may be taken either from the material obtained from the abscess or from other areas like cervix. [4]

Treatment

Some cysts go away without treatment.[2] If there is mild swelling but no cyst or the cyst is soft, the person may apply a warm compress on the area. Pain relievers might also be useful. [5]

An abscess that has burst open may heal on its own. A sitz bath (genitalia soaking in warm, shallow bath) is often recommended.

For cysts that cause significant symptoms such as pain, draining may be necessary coupled with antibiotics. When there is repeated treatment failure, surgery is done. [6]

References:

1. http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/bartholins-gland-cyst.html

2. http://www.cigna.com/individualandfamilies/health-and-well-being/hw/medical-topics/bartholin-glandcyst-tw2685.html

3. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bartholin-cyst/DS00667

4.http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bartholin_cyst/article_em.htm#Bartholin%27s%20Cyst%20Causes

5. http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/11043.html

6. http://women.webmd.com/tc/bartholin-gland-cyst-treatment-overview

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