Cysts and Tumours of the Vestibular Glands

Bartholin’s duct cyst is a sequel of occlusion of the main duct leading to the accumulation of secretion. It presents as a slightly tender, round to ovoid swelling at the lower part of labium majus. The size usually varies from 3 to 6 cm with an average of 5 cm. A larger cyst attaining 12.5 cm and weighing up to 183 g has been described (Aborjaily et al. 1958). The cyst is more commonly unilateral, but bilateral cysts are sometimes seen. Depending on whether the main or smaller ducts are obstructed, the cyst may be uni- or multilocular; the unilocular cyst usually results from main duct obstruction. A collar-button-type distension generally occurs proximal to the obstruction of the main duct (Tancer 1965). The common cause of obstruction is Bartholin adenitis due to gonococcal infections. Infections by other organisms have also been incriminated. Mechanical trauma can cause distortion of the duct and thereby hindrance to the outflow of secretions. Rarely, malignancy of the organ can manifest as a cystic swelling in elderly women. The posterior third of vulva is the usual site for these cysts.