gynecology and obstetrics
Vulvar Inclusion and Epidermal Cysts
Introduction
Vulvar inclusion cystscontain epithelial tissue;vulvar epidermal cystsdevelop from sebaceous glands. Both cysts eventually enlarge with cellular debris and sometimes become infected. Inclusion cystsare the most common vulvar cysts; they may also occur in the vagina. They may result from trauma (eg, laceration, episiotomy repair) that entraps viable epithelial tissue below the surface, or they may develop spontaneously. Epidermal cysts(sebaceous cysts) result from obstruction of sebaceous gland ducts. Uninfected cysts are usually asymptomatic but occasionally cause irritation; they are white or yellow and usually<1 cm. Infected cysts may be red and tender and cause dyspareunia. Diagnosisof vulvar cysts is clinical. Treatmentof vulvar cysts, indicated only for symptomatic cysts, is excision. A local anesthetic can be used for a single lesion. For multiple lesions, regional or general anesthesia may be preferred. 