What is Bartholin's gland cyst?

Many people do not understand what Bartholin's gland cyst is. In fact, it is mainly caused by the obstruction of the Bartholin's gland duct and the accumulation of secretions, which will manifest as cysts of varying sizes. Patients often feel a sense of heaviness due to external factors, or have discomfort during sexual life.

Bartholin's gland cyst is caused by obstruction of the Bartholin's gland duct and accumulation of secretions. After the acute inflammation subsides, the glandular duct is blocked and secretions cannot be discharged. The pus gradually turns into clear liquid and forms a cyst. Cysts can also be formed if the mucus in the glandular cavity is thick or there is congenital stenosis of the glandular duct and poor drainage. It may also be caused by damage to the Bartholin's glands, such as scars blocking the gland duct openings after perineal and vaginal lacerations during childbirth, or damage to the gland ducts during episiotomy.

1. Clinical manifestations

Bartholin's gland cysts vary in size, most of which gradually increase in size and some may persist for several years. If the cyst is small and not infected, the patient may have no symptoms; if the cyst is large, the patient may feel a sense of heaviness in the vulva or discomfort during sexual intercourse. Examination showed that the cysts were mostly unilateral but could also be bilateral, and were mostly oval in shape.

2. Diagnosis

The cyst can be diagnosed based on its location, appearance, and the absence of inflammation during local palpation. If necessary, local puncture can be performed to differentiate it from an abscess. The resected cyst can be confirmed by pathological examination.

3. Differential diagnosis

Care should be taken to differentiate it from labia majora inguinal hernia, which is similar to the inguinal mass, with a sense of impulse, a slight swelling when the breath is held downward, and a tympanic sound when percussion, which usually occurs suddenly after excessive force.

4. Treatment

Since the cyst can exist for a long time and remain unchanged for many years, regular observation is required and no treatment is required. If the cyst gradually grows larger and affects your life, or becomes repeatedly infected and often forms abscesses, a Bartholin gland cyst ostomy may be performed. This method is simple, causes little damage, and can preserve gland function. However, the stoma should be large enough. It is best to place a drainage strip after the stoma is created and flush it with hydrogen peroxide or 2% iodine tincture once a day for 3 to 4 times in total to prevent adhesion and closure after surgery and the formation of a cyst again. Once an abscess has formed, it should be incised and drained.

In recent years, CO2 laser has been used for ostomy treatment, with a high cure rate, no adverse reactions, simple operation, short treatment time, no need to suture the wound, and patients can be treated in outpatient clinics. The high thermal effect of the laser can coagulate and carbonize tissue cells. Since the laser has an affinity for hemoglobin, it has a better coagulation effect, less bleeding during and after the operation, and can preserve the normal function of the gland. It has no effect on sexual life, no infection after surgery, and no need for antibiotics. However, the application scope of this technology is not yet widespread and needs further observation and research.