Patient's question:
On the side of my daughter's labia, there is swelling that is neither painful nor itchy. She has not gone to the hospital for a check-up.Doctor's answer:
The Bartholin's glands are responsible for secreting mucus to lubricate the vagina. They originally have their own openings, but if they become inflamed or blocked by debris, preventing the mucus from draining, they can swell and form Bartholin's gland cysts. If the swelling becomes severe, the cyst may rupture spontaneously, releasing pus, after which it may heal.However, the rupture site may close, leading to recurrence and further swelling. If a pouch is created to form a new artificial opening, the mucus and debris within the Bartholin's glands can be drained, preventing further episodes.