Clinical Pathology of Bartholin’s Glands: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The Bartholin's glands are located symmetrically at the posterior region of the vaginal opening and play an important role in the female reproductive system. These two pea-sized glands are involved in mucus secretion and vaginal lubrication. Cyst formation in the glands is common and results from mucus build-up in gland ducts. It is important to monitor such cysts because they may occur in the form of carcinomas. Larger cysts and abscesses are found in the lower vestibular region and typically present with erythema and edema. Biopsy is an effective method for distinguishing between Bartholin's gland cysts and differential diagnosis. While smaller cysts may be asymptomatic and may be left untreated, larger cysts require medical attention. Several treatment options are available, including marsupialization and CO₂ laser. Healing and recovery depend on the severity of infection and course of treatment.

Incidence, Presentation and Management of Bartholin’s Gland Cysts/Abscesses: A Four-Year Review in Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria

“…Approximately 2% of women, mostly in their reproductive age would develop Bartholin's gland cyst or abscess at some point in their life [2]- [7]. Abscesses are almost three times commoner than the cysts [3] [8].…”

“…They are a pair of pea-sized glands located symmetrically at the posterior region of the vaginal wall, lateral to the bulbocavernosus muscle. They are oval in shape with an average size of 0.5 -1 cm and drain through ducts about 2 -2.5 cm in length and 0.5 mm in diameter that open at the 4 and 8 o'clock positions between the labia minora and hymenal edge into the vestibule [1]- [3]. The organs play an important role in the female reproductive system and its main function is to secret mucus that lubricates the vagina and vulva especially during sexual intercourse [2]- [4].…”

“…Obstruction of the Bartholin's duct may result in the retention of secretions with resultant dilatation of the duct and cyst formation. The cyst may become infected and an abscess may develop in the gland [3]- [6]. A Bartholin's duct cyst does not necessarily have to be present before a gland abscess develops [2] [3].…”

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Bartholin’s Gland: What Is the Best Approach?

“…They produce mucus that is drained into the vaginal vestibule; their vascularization is carried out by the external pudendal artery, the pudendal nerve is responsible for their innervations, and Bartholin's glands drain into superficial inguinal and pelvic nodes. Among all vulvar cancers, ACC of Bartholin's glands, which represents less than 1% of all vulvar malignancies, is characterized by high recurrence and metastasis rates [5,6].…”

Evaluation of 230 Cases of Bartholin Gland Marsupialisation

“…Bartolin bezi vajen duvarının posteriorunda bulbokavernöz kasların lateralinde bulunan bir çift bezdir (1) . Kadın reprodüktif sisteminin önemli bir parçasıdır ve görevi cinsel ilişki sırasında salgılarla vajen ve vulvayı kayganlaştırmaktır (2,3) . Bartolin bezi tıkanırsa sekresyonlar birikerek kist oluşumuna neden olur, eğer Bartolin kisti enfekte olursa Bartolin apsesi gelişir (4,5) .…”