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Pediatric and Adolescent Bartholin Gland Cyst
What is Pediatric and Adolescent Bartholin Gland Cyst?
The Bartholin glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening. They make a small amount of lubricating fluid. If skin grows over the opening of one of the glands, or if it becomes infected, fluid can back up, causing a round swelling called a cyst. These cysts can range from tiny to golf ball-sized, and they may be tender.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric and Adolescent Bartholin Gland Cyst?
- A round, painless or slightly tender bulge near the opening of the vagina
- Significant tenderness, or discomfort while walking or sitting
How is Pediatric and Adolescent Bartholin Gland Cyst diagnosed?
Your daughter’s doctor can diagnose a Bartholin gland cyst based on her symptoms and visual inspection.
If the cyst becomes infected, this can cause significant swelling and pain with need for drainage in the office or operating room. Sometimes, an infected cyst may drain on its own and resolve with local supportive care.
How is Pediatric and Adolescent Bartholin Gland Cyst treated?
For mild, non-infected Bartholin gland cysts, your daughter’s doctor may prescribe a few days of sitz baths – during which your daughter will sit in a few inches of warm water several times a day. This often allows the cyst to rupture and drain with minimal discomfort.
If her cyst is large or infected, the doctor can make a small incision to drain the fluid or insert a tube that allows fluid to drain out for several days. Your daughter will receive antibiotics if she has an infection.
Pediatric and Adolescent Bartholin Gland Cyst Doctors and Providers
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Ellen Wilson, MD Pediatric GynecologistDivision Director at Children's Health Associate Professor at UT Southwestern Medical CenterRead Ellen Wilson's Full ProfileEllen Wilson, MDPediatric Gynecologist
Board Certification:
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology -
Nirupama De Silva, MD Pediatric GynecologistProfessor at UT Southwestern Medical CenterRead Nirupama De Silva's Full ProfileNirupama De Silva, MDPediatric Gynecologist
Board Certification:
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology -
Jason Jarin, MD Pediatric GynecologistAssistant Professor at UT Southwestern Medical CenterRead Jason Jarin's Full ProfileJason Jarin, MDPediatric Gynecologist
Frequently Asked Questions
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How did my daughter get a Bartholin gland cyst?
The gland opening becomes blocked and this causes a cyst to form.
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How can we prevent Bartholin gland cysts?
There is no way to prevent these cysts; however, if you notice a small cyst forming – you can try the sitz bath method.
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Will the cyst recur?
It is possible for Bartholin gland cysts to come back after treatment, often years later. Cysts can be treated again, and the Bartholin glands can be removed completely if cysts recur often.