Incidental Bartholin Gland Cysts Identified on Pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Objective To estimate the prevalence of Bartholin gland cysts in asymptomatic women serving as control participants who underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of research studies. The secondary aim was to investigate potential demographic characteristics associated with Bartholin gland cysts. Methods Pelvic MRIs from 430 control participants enrolled in five research projects were evaluated. All images were evaluated by at least two authors. The presence, laterality, and size of Bartholin gland cysts were recorded. Demographic information for each participant was obtained at the time of enrollment in the respective parent study. Results Approximately 3% of the participants had visible Bartholin gland cysts in MRI scans. Fifty-percent of the cysts were identified on the right side, 42.9% were seen on the left side, and 7.1% were bilateral. The cysts were, on average, 1.3 × 1.2 × 1.3 cm, with dimensions ranging from 0.5 – 2.7 cm. There were no demographic differences between women with and without visible Bartholin gland cysts. Conclusion Bartholin gland cysts occur in 3% of adult women. The cysts affect women of broad ranges of age and parity. Women with visible Bartholin gland cysts are demographically similar to women without cysts on pelvic imaging.

Evaluation of treatments for Bartholin’s cyst or abscess: a systematic review

“…Cysts and abscesses of the Bartholin's gland are relatively common with a reported prevalence of between two and three in 100 women. 1 A cyst of the Bartholin's gland can form when the ducts become blocked due to trauma, mucus, or oedema secondary to infection. 2 Abscesses may form due to secondary infection of a cyst of the Bartholin's gland or less commonly due to primary infection of the Bartholin's gland itself and are generally due to polymicrobial infection of the retained cystic fluid by constituents of the vaginal flora, typically Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus sp.…”

“…Cysts and abscesses of the Bartholin’s gland are relatively common with a reported prevalence of between two and three in 100 women . A cyst of the Bartholin’s gland can form when the ducts become blocked due to trauma, mucus, or oedema secondary to infection .…”

Surgical management options for Bartholin’s gland abscess

“…When the outflow path from the gland is blocked, a cyst forms. [1] The formation of a gland abscess is associated with secondary infection of the contents in the cyst or with the primary bacterial infection of the gland. Usually these are infections with a polymicrobial background.…”

Management of bartholin's gland swelling in a tertiary health institution in north-western Nigeria

“…The gland produce and secret mucus which is of alkaline pH and serves as a lubricant during sexual intercourse while it keeps the vulva moist [1] . They were first described by the Danish Anatomist, Casper Bartholin in the 17 th century [2] . Bartholin's gland cysts are the most common cystic enlargements of the vulva and are frequently benign than malignant.…”

“…Bartholin's gland cysts are the most common cystic enlargements of the vulva and are frequently benign than malignant. Approximately 2% -3% of women mostly in their reproductive age would develop Bartholin's gland cyst or abscess at some point in their life [2] , The abscesses is almost three times more common than the cysts [6,7] . It has been found that about 50% occur on the right labia, 42.9% on the left side, and 7.1% are bilateral [3] .…”