2023-11-16 08:00:00
Definition: what is a vaginal cyst?
THE vaginal cysts are non-cancerous masseslike the balls to the touchmost of the time filled with liquidwhich are located inside the vagina.
These cysts must be differentiated:
- of the vulvar cysts (present at the level of the vulva) which can be located on the labia majora or minora or even at the level of the Bartholin glands (small round glands at the back of the lips).
- of the cysts from other areas of the genital area like the ovarian cysts.
Benign and operable tumors
Most often vaginal cysts are benign. Most of the time, they go unnoticed and it is the gynecologist who spots them during a routine examination.
However, they sometimes bother the patient if they are particularly bulky. They can then make it difficult to introduce a tampon or return the painful intercourse, For example. In addition, a large cyst may worry the obstetrician with a view to childbirth. In these cases, the doctor may consider puncture even a surgical excision.
What are the different types of vaginal cysts?
There are two types of vaginal cysts:
- Epithelial vaginal inclusion cysts: These cysts are very common. These accumulations of fluid in a cavity develop following trauma (such as episiotomy repair or injury) or appear spontaneously on their own.
They measure about 1 cm and are usually not painful. They can sometimes cause dyspareunia (pain during sex).
If these cysts rupture (for example during childbirth), they release a creamy yellowish fluid containing scaling.
- Gartner’s duct cysts : they correspond to a embryological remnant of the Wolffian canal. They appear on the wall of the vagina most of the time. This type of cyst is benign and most often asymptomatic. If ruptured during childbirth, these cysts release a clear, citrine liquid.
Lump, lump: how to recognize a vaginal cyst by touch?
Generally, the vaginal cyst is asymptomatic. It does not cause any pain or discomfort. In addition, it is difficult to feel it by touch unless you insert your fingers into the vaginal opening for palpation. Sometimes it is visible if it is close to the vulva (uneven appearance of the vulva).
Most of the time, patients realize this when they experience difficulty (or even pain) during the introduction of a tampon or even during a pain during sexual intercourse or a gynecological exam. Sometimes, it is the gynecologist who discovers this mass during auscultation.
Abscess, pain, childbirth: what complications of vaginal cyst?
The vaginal cyst is a benign tumor et is not at risk of developing into cancer. However, in the case of a cyst near the vulva in women over 60, the doctor will almost automatically recommend surgical removal of the cyst, because the risk of vulvar cancer is higher.
Furthermore, the vaginal cyst can give rise to other complications such as:
- A infection : in this case, the cyst is painful, pulsatile. It can interfere with walking, sitting and sexual intercourse. Sometimes it turns into an abscess and the symptoms are even more intense with discharge of pus and fever. Better to consult a doctor.
- A complication during childbirth : Usually vaginal cysts rupture during childbirth. But if the mass is too large, it can lead to vaginal disrepair.
Diagnosis: how to know if you have a vaginal cyst?
In case of suggestive signs, it is better to consult a gynecologist. The latter will confirm the diagnosis by simple auscultation. He may possibly prescribe additional examinations to eliminate certain pathologies such as a biopsy, an analysis of secretions from the vagina or cervix, a pelvic ultrasound, etc.
Treatments: should a cyst be removed from the wall of the vagina?
There is no reason to remove a vaginal cyst unless it is large, painful, or infected.
Nothing to do for small cysts
If the cyst is small, does not cause any discomfort and does not seem to hinder the expulsion of the baby for delivery (for the pregnant woman), it is not necessary to To take it out.
Operation for large cysts (removal or puncture)
However, if the cyst is large, annoying (for example when inserting tampons or during sexual intercourse) or seems to hinder the expulsion of the baby for delivery (in pregnant women), it is preferable to puncture it or to remove it by surgical intervention under general or regional anesthesia.
Finally, in the event of infection or abscess, antibiotic treatment is administered. The doctor may also choose to puncture or remove the cyst surgically.
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