women s health issues
Bartholin Gland Cyst and Bartholin Gland Abscess
Introduction
Bartholin gland cysts are mucus-filled sacs that can form when the glands located near the opening to the vagina are blocked. Bartholin gland cysts may become infected and form painful, pus-filled abscesses. Cysts are usually painless, but if large, they can cause pressure or pain and interfere with sitting, walking, and sexual activity. Cysts may become infected, forming a painful abscess. Doctors can usually see or feel the cyst during a pelvic examination. Doctors may create a permanent opening so that the cyst can drain fluid to the outside, or they may surgically remove the cyst. Bartholin glands are very small, round glands that are located in the vulva (which consists of the labia and other tissues around the opening to the vagina). They may develop on either side of the vulva. Because they are located deep under the skin, they cannot normally be felt. These glands may help provide fluids for lubrication during sexual activity. 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 If the duct to a Bartholin gland is blocked, the gland becomes filled with mucus and enlarges. The result is a cyst. These cysts develop in about 2% of women, usually those in their 20s. Cysts may become infected, forming an abscess (a closed-off area filled with pus). As women age, they are less likely to have cysts and abscesses. Typically, the cause of the blockage is unknown. Rarely, cysts can become infected with a Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) , such as gonorrhea. Very rarely, Vulvar Cancer can form in Bartholin glands. The small glands on either side of the vaginal opening, called Bartholin glands, may become blocked. Fluids then accumulate, and the gland swells, forming a cyst. Cysts range from the size of a pea to that of a golf ball or larger. Most often, they occur only on one side. They may become infected, forming an abscess. 