Introduction: Bartholin glands are locate on either side of the lower third of the vaginal introitus near the labia minora.
A cyst or abscess may result from an obstructed duct, often secondary to trauma or inflammation. Infection of the cyst is usually with mixed vaginal or fecal flora (Escherichia coli) but may also contain N gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Clinical Features: Cysts or abscesses may be asymptomatic or may lead to increasing pain, swelling,
an dyspareunia. A tender, fluctuant cystic mass with surrounding labial edema is easily appreciate on examination.
Differential diagnosis: Differentials should include
- epidermal inclusion cysts and sebaceous cysts of the labia majora,
- hidradenitis suppurativa,
- vulvar hematomas,
- leiomyomas,
- lipomas, and
- fibromas.

