Bartholin Gland Cysts | Medtick
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Bartholin Gland Cysts

What is it?

These are mucus-filled cysts and occur on either side of the vaginal opening.

  • They are the most common large vaginal cysts.

Diagnosis tests

  • Physical and pelvic examination
  • Bacterial culture of cyst/abscess fluid
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing
  • Biopsy of Bartholin gland (important in women ≥40 years)
    • Rule out cancer (Bartholin gland carcinoma)
  • Ultrasound
  • MRI
  • Biopsy

Causes

  • Unknown
  • HPV (human papilloma virus,90% of cases)
  • Cervical intra-epethelial neoplasia (pre cancer condition that causes changes in cervix)
  • Smoking
  • Increased risk when women under 17 years old who have a child.
  • Women who have three or more children

Medication

  • Taking contraceptive medication greater than 10 years
  • Oestrogen supplements
  • HRT

Symptoms

  • Vaginal irritation?
  • Vaginal blockage/pain?
  • Difficulty in urinating?
  • Pain during walking?
  • Vaginal appears abnormal?
  • Soft, painless swelling near the vaginal opening (usually at the 4 or 8 o’clock position)?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

  • Septicaemia
  • Peritonitis
  • Nausea and vomiting (not always)?
  • Hugh or increase in swelling over liver/or spleen area?
  • Hugh or increase in swelling over stomach area (not due to have eaten food or wind)?
  • Severe abdominal pain?
  • Balance and dizziness (not always)?
  • Bleeding through any orifice (not always)?

This condition can show similar symptoms to:

 

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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