Brief Answer: Benign cyst, perhaps bartholin cyst Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for writing in to XXXXXXX Seems that you have a benign cyst in the vulvar region which has now increased in size and has become symptomatic. Cysts develop as a result of blockage of the draining pathway. They can increase in size because of accumulation of contents behind the block. The likely differential diagnosis are: 1)Mucous cyst 2)Bartholoin or skene duct cyst 3)Epidermal inclusion cyst Bartholin cyst is the most common variety. The bartholin glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening and secrete fluid that lubricate the vagina. Sometimes the openings of these glands become obstructed, causing fluid to back up into the gland. The result is relatively painless swelling called a Bartholin's cyst. At times, the fluid within the cyst may become infected, resulting in pus surrounded by inflamed tissue (abscess). Often, no treatment is necessary, since Bartholin's cysts are often asymptomatic. Small, asymptomatic cysts simply be observed over time to see if they grow. For mild symptoms like aching (as in your case) you can so sitz bath(soaking the area in warm water) for 2-3 days along with pain-killers. Sitz bath is usually effective. A Cyst can become infected, forming an abscess. If it becomes painful/tender, or you experience fever then it suggest infection of the cyst. In that scenario make an appointment with your gynaecologist right away. Infection of bartholin glands will require oral antibiotics to be administered along with pain-killers. Bartholin cyst can sometimes reoccur. Surgical treatment options for recurrent cyst: 1)Placement of a catheter so as to prevent reoccurence 2)marsupialisation(creation of a permanent pouch) take care regards. dr. kakkar

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Brief Answer: Begin with Sitz bath at home and OTC painkillers Detailed Answer: Hi. If the cyst is small and asymptomatic it is better to leave it as it is. If it is large, it may cause discomfort like aching and pain during sexual intercourse and pain while walking, then you can do Sitz bath at home and take OTC painkillers on SOS basis like paracetamol or ibuprofen. If it becomes painful/infected then you need to see a gynecologist who would prescribe you a course of oral antibiotics along with painkillers. Only recurrent cysts or large cysts need to be drained by catheter, marsupialised or completely removed. I would advice that you begin with Sitz bath at home for a few days and take OTC painkillers whenever needed. In most cases that would be enough. take care regards Dr. kakkar

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Brief Answer: you are welcome :-) Detailed Answer: Regards Dr. kakkar

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