Recurrent Bartholin's Cyst: Literature Review and Case Report

Abstract

Bartholin's cyst is a form of cystic (fluid-filled) tumor on the vulva. Bartholin's cyst is a cyst that forms due to blockage of the Bartholin's gland duct, which causes retention and cystic dilatation. Reports indicate that a 45-year-old woman came to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Polyclinic at Pertamina Bintang Amin Hospital, Malahayati Bandar Lampung, experiencing a recurrence of a left Bartholini abscess for the third time after two external incisions. The treatment carried out in this patient was given antibiotics and analgesics and it was recommended to do surgery with an extirpation procedure. Recurrent Bartholin's gland abscesses in women of reproductive age are generally associated with a risk of contact with sexually transmitted infection polymicrobials. Needle aspiration and incision and drainage are the two simplest procedures, not recommended because of the relatively increased recurrence rate.

Bartholin gland cyst and abscess: an updated scenario

“…The pathogenesis of Bartholin cysts and abscesses begins at a very slow pace, starting with the swelling of the labia majora, a painful sensation, fever, and swelling of the genital vulva. 3 The Bartholin gland cyst and abscess are mainly formed in reproductive women and are very difficult to differentiate. The Bartholin gland cyst, which can be 2-4 cm, can cause dyspareunia, urinary infection, and pain in the external genitalia.…”

“…The symptoms of an infected cyst are edema,/large mass area inside vulva. 3 Bartholin's abscess can generally be manifested by an acute onset of pain and difficulty passing urine. Fever, chills, redness, drainage from the cyst, and a change in size of the cyst can occur.…”

“…1 The main function of the Bartholin gland is to provide lubrication to the vaginal vestibular surface, mainly during sexual intercourse. 3 Removal of the Bartholin gland does not have much impact on the lubrication of the vagina due to the other glands, like Skene's gland. Generally, Bartholin glands are non-palpable when not obstructed.…”

“…2 The 2% of sexually active women develop a Bartholin gland cyst or Bartholin gland abscess in their entire lifetime, and there are few cases of puberty-aged girls in the current time. 3 The intricacy of these organs begins at 30 years of age. Due to this, the women should be attentive to the feeling of malignancy.…”

“…The dumbbell-shaped Bartholin gland cyst is very rare and uncommon. 3 Obstruction in the Bartholin gland takes place as the distal gland duct blocks and a fluid-filled, swollen saclike structure forms. This fluid-filled, swollen structure blocks the opening of the Bartholin gland, resulting in the accumulation of mucus produced by the Bartholin gland and the formation of a Bartholin cyst, which can further develop into an abscess.…”