When you find a small lump while washing, the first thing you may want to know is “whether it is all right to just leave it.” Even if it is small, pain makes sitting or walking uncomfortable, and even if it is not painful, it weighs on you if it stays. We will start by looking at why not every vulvar lump is resolved with the same treatment.
What changes if you know the location?
The vulva means the skin and tissue visible outside the vagina. A skin bump on the hair-bearing side, a sac-like lump felt under the skin, and swelling near the vaginal opening are different structures that need to be checked. It is difficult to confirm a diagnosis from one photo or from touch alone.
A Bartholin gland cyst that forms on one side of the vaginal opening can develop when the passage that carries secretions out becomes blocked. It may be small and painless, but if infection is present it can be severely painful or cause a fever. Inflammation around the hair or other cysts of the skin can feel similar, so the actual location and the condition of the skin are examined.
Which changes need prompt medical attention?
Even if the pain is mild, a feeling that it is hard and fixed, a change that keeps growing, or a lump that does not go away or recurs in the same place should be checked. Do not decide that “it is fine because it does not hurt,” or that “it is a pimple because it is small.” Please also say whether a surface wound or bleeding is continuing.
In what order are the examination and tests done?
First, talk about when you first found it, how fast it is growing, any relation to hair removal or friction, and any time the same place swelled before. The examination checks the lump's location, surface, firmness, and tenderness, among other points. Let your clinician know about any concerns about sexually transmitted infections and any other symptoms, as this helps them decide which tests are needed.
If the cause is not clear on examination, further checks such as ultrasound or a tissue biopsy may be offered. Not every lump needs the same tests. Asking “What is this test trying to tell apart?” makes the purpose of the next step easier to understand.
If there is a lump, do I need surgery?
Treatment is decided by the cause that has been confirmed and by the degree of discomfort. Among Bartholin gland cysts, some are watched over time, and some need medicine or a drainage procedure because of infection or symptoms that recur. If a treatment that makes an incision, or that keeps a drainage passage open, is considered, the possibility of pain, bleeding, infection, and recurrence, and the aftercare, should also be explained to you.
Pressing it or bursting it at home can add injury and infection. Avoid clothing that rubs the skin, and try to reduce checking it over and over with your hands. Even if it has already burst on its own, do not delay care if pain or fever continues.
The path for consultation about related symptoms can be checked in Women's conditions care guide. The content of this article referred to NHS Bartholin gland cyst and lump evaluation guidance.