women s health issues
Skene Gland Cyst
Introduction
Skene gland cysts develop near the opening of the urethra when the ducts to the Skene glands are blocked. Skene gland cysts are very rare. Many people with Skene gland cysts have no symptoms or only minor irritation. Large cysts may cause pain during sexual activity or sometimes during urination. Doctors can usually diagnose these cysts during a pelvic examination, but sometimes ultrasonography or cystoscopy is done to confirm the diagnosis. Cysts that cause symptoms can be removed. Very rarely, abscesses develop and are treated with antibiotics, then removal of the cyst or creation of a permanent opening in the cyst. Skene glands, also called periurethral or paraurethral glands, are located around the opening of the urethra. At the center of this image is the vagina, a canal composed of smooth muscle. The small opening directly above it is the urethra, which is the opening from the bladder. Below the vagina is the anus. Above the urethra is the clitoris, a body of erectile tissue that is homologous to the penis. The vagina is surrounded by the labia minora, which are surrounded by the labia majora. The pubic bone is at top. The purple tissue is a continuation of the clitoris, the crus of clitoris. The bulb of the vestibule (blue) also consists of erectile tissue. Below the bulb is a Bartholin gland, which secretes mucus to lubricate the vagina. BO VEISLAND/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Skene gland cysts are rare. They form if the duct to the gland is blocked, usually because the gland is infected. If these cysts become infected, urinary tract infections may develop. 