Bartholin's cyst

Bartholin's gland cysts occur common in women of reproductive age. The Bartholin's glands are situated beneath the vaginal opening. These glands provide mucous and moisture for the vulva area. The duct that connects the Bartholin's gland to the vaginal opening is about 1 inch in length and when it's blocked, will result in accumulation of mucous in Bartholin's gland, resulting in Bartholin's cyst. A Bartholin's cyst does not cause pain and does not require treatment. However, if there is ascending infection, abscess will form, and there will be severe pain. This is called Bartholin's abscess.

Causes of Bartholin's Abscess

The Bartholin's duct can be blocked due to infection, injury, edema, or inflammation. The bacteria that commonly cause the infections are gonococci and Chlamydia. When the duct is blocked, mucous accumulates within the gland.

Symptoms of Bartholin's Abscess

Bartholin's cyst that is not infected will present as swelling at one side of vulva which is not painful. Bartholin's abscess will present with severe painful swelling at one side of the vulva which will make the affected woman typically sits at her one side of her buttock. There will be fever and the vulva swelling will be shining, red and painful.

Marsupialization

The treatment for Bartholin's cyst and abscess is marsupialization. Marsupialization is a 2 cm incision on the prominent of the site. The abscess of mucous is drained. The edge of the incision is stitched to the adjacent skin so prevent spontaneous closure so that fluid from inside the Bartholin's cyst can drain freely all the time. Recurrrence of Bartholin's cyst occurs in 10% of the time.

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