What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Bartholin’s Cyst
• Vaginal Cyst caused by Bartholin Gland Cyst
• Vaginal Lump caused by Bartholin Gland Cyst 

What is Bartholin Gland Cyst? (Definition/Background Information)

• Bartholin glands are glands that are present normally on either side of the women’s genital area namely, the vagina. Their function is to secrete a fluid into the vagina, in order to make the vaginal opening smooth and slippery
• When the duct of the Bartholin glands gets blocked, the fluid gets accumulated and causes the gland to swell and form a cyst. This medical condition is termed as a Bartholin Gland Cyst
• A Bartholin Gland Cyst is a painless enlargement or swelling of the Bartholin gland, while a Bartholin gland abscess is infection of the gland. Generally, at any particular time, the Bartholin gland cyst or abscess occurs only on one side of the vagina
• Bartholin Gland Cyst affects women who are in their reproductive age. A lump in the vaginal area and discomfort while walking are the most common symptoms of a Bartholin Gland Cyst
• Only symptomatic cysts need treatment, and this usually involves a surgical drainage of the fluid. The prognosis of Bartholin Gland Cyst is excellent with appropriate treatment

Who gets Bartholin Gland Cyst? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Typically, Bartholin Gland Cyst affects women who are in their reproductive age or child-bearing age
• The condition is observed worldwide; all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Bartholin Gland Cyst? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Bartholin Gland Cyst include:

• Young women, usually in their 20s
• Women of childbearing age are at risk

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Bartholin Gland Cyst? (Etiology)

• Bartholin glands are glands that are normally located at both sides of a women’s vagina
• Their function is to secrete a fluid into the lip-like skin surrounding the vagina, in order to make the vaginal opening smooth and slippery
• When the duct of the Bartholin gland gets blocked, the fluid gets accumulated and causes the gland to expand in size and form a cyst, which is termed as the Bartholin Gland Cyst
• A Bartholin gland abscess may be formed when the cyst gets infected by bacteria, which may be caused by:
  • Common bacteria such as Escherichia coli ( E. coli)
  • Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
  • Bacteria that may cause sexually transmitted diseases such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bartholin Gland Cyst?

The common signs and symptoms of Bartholin Gland Cyst may include:

• A lump or a mass near the vaginal opening, which may be tender and painless
• Discomfort while walking or sitting
• Pain experienced during intercourse
• Fever, especially when the gland is infected to form an abscess

How is Bartholin Gland Cyst Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Bartholin Gland Cyst may typically involve:

• Thorough examination of the genital area and complete evaluation of medical history
• Usually a physical examination of the genital area is sufficient to make the diagnosis of Bartholin Gland Cyst
• In case of a suspected infection, the physician may send the fluid to a laboratory to check for the causative organism
• Biopsy of the cyst may be recommended in women of age more than 40 years, to check for the presence of cancerous cells

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 

What are the possible Complications of Bartholin Gland Cyst?

Bartholin Gland Cyst may lead to the following complications:

• Continuous and chronic occurrence of the cyst
• Recurrence of abscesses that will need to be treated on a continuous basis

How is Bartholin Gland Cyst Treated?

Women with Bartholin Gland Cyst showing no symptoms do not require treatment for the condition. In others, the treatment of Bartholin Gland Cyst will depend on:

• The size of the cyst
• Level of discomfort the patient is experiencing
• If the cyst is infected (resulting in a Bartholin gland abscess)

Various treatment methods for the condition may include:

• Sitz bath: Immersing oneself several times in a tub filled with warm water for a period of 3-4 days will cause the cyst to break and the fluid will drain on its own
• Surgical drainage:
  • Surgical drainage is done for larger cysts
  • A small incision is made on the cyst and the fluid accumulated inside it is allowed to drain
• Antibiotics: if the cyst is infected with abscess formation
• Marsupialization:
  • Recurring cysts are treated using this procedure
  • Stitches are placed on each side of the drainage incision so that a permanent opening is made
  • Through this opening a catheter is placed to drain the fluid for a few days so that it does not recur   

How can Bartholin Gland Cyst be Prevented?

There are no specific methods to prevent the occurrence of Bartholin Gland Cysts, though adopting some safety measures may help in reducing the risk of further complications. These include:

• Practicing safe sex (use of condoms)
• Always maintaining good personal hygiene

What is the Prognosis of Bartholin Gland Cyst? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Bartholin Gland Cyst is generally good with proper treatment. Most women feel a measure of relief within 24 hours after the abscess drainage has taken place
• In very rare cases, women suffer from recurring cysts and abscesses, though it can be treated well with marsupialization procedure

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Bartholin Gland Cyst:

• A Bartholin gland abscess drainage procedure involves removal of the cyst and drainage of the abscess that is a result of blockage in the Bartholin gland

The following article link will help you understand Bartholin gland abscess drainage procedure:

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-surgical/bartholins-gland-abscess-drainage/