Patient's question:
Patient Age: 21Detailed Condition and Purpose of Consultation: I would like to ask: I have a cyst in my right external vagina, and it causes very severe pain each time it erupts. When the cyst ruptures, yellow fluid flows out. What kind of cyst is this?
I have had this condition for four years. Previously, it would typically erupt only a few times a year, but the duration of each episode was relatively long. Now, it erupts frequently, especially this year. In the past two weeks, it has erupted twice, but each episode lasted for a shorter duration.
What should I do?
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Based on your condition, it could be considered a Bartholin's gland cyst.Any factor that obstructs the discharge of Bartholin's gland secretions, causing them to accumulate in the ducts and leading to cystic expansion of the glands, can result in a Bartholin's gland cyst. Common factors include:
(1) The presence of chronic inflammation can block Bartholin's gland ducts, causing secretions to discharge poorly, leading to cystic expansion of the glands and the formation of a cyst.
(2) After acute Bartholin's gland inflammation subsides, if the gland ducts remain blocked, secretions cannot be expelled. Absorption of pus and gradual transformation of fluid into a clearer state can then form a Bartholin's gland cyst.
(3) During childbirth, if the vagina and lateral labial episiotomy are injured, scars may form, or improper episiotomy may damage Bartholin's gland ducts, causing the duct openings to close. Retention of secretions can also lead to a Bartholin's gland cyst.
(4) Congenital narrowing of Bartholin's gland ducts or thick, viscous secretions that hinder the discharge of Bartholin's gland fluid can similarly result in cyst formation.
After the formation of a Bartholin's gland cyst, it can persist for a long time, developing slowly, and patients generally experience no discomfort, only noticing that one labia is larger than the other. Gynecological examination reveals: swelling in the lower one-third of the affected labia, with a cystic texture, no significant tenderness, and the vaginal opening being pushed toward the healthy side.
When a Bartholin's gland cyst is complicated by infection, it can transform into a Bartholin's gland abscess. After the inflammation subsides with medication, the abscess can then revert to a cyst as the pus is absorbed.
Treatment
Since Bartholin's gland cysts can persist for a long time without changing, if they do not interfere with daily life, regular observation may be sufficient, and treatment may not be necessary. However, if the cyst gradually grows or recurs