Symptomatic vulvar mucinous cyst: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

BackgroundVulvar mucinous cysts are rare, benign, noninvasive masses. They can be mistaken for cysts of Bartholin gland, Skene gland, vestibular, or canal of Nuck. Generally, they may be left untreated, but observed. However, if symptomatic, they may require surgical removal.CaseWe report a large vulvar mucinous cyst in a 29-year-old woman with no contributory medical history. Excision of the mass was performed because its size had begun to cause symptoms. The diagnosis of a mucinous cyst was based on radiological and clinicopathologic features. The patient developed a post-operative vulvar hematoma and was discharged 2 days after the surgery with a Foley catheter in place. Continued follow-up was maintained for the hematoma, which drained spontaneously and resolved without incident. There has been no recurrence of the cyst after completion of short-term surgical follow-up.ConclusionVulvar mucinous cysts are rare masses. We present the diagnosis and treatment of a large vulvar mucinous cyst. The cyst was completely removed during surgery, but long-term surveillance for recurrence is currently being conducted.

Benign “lumps and bumps” of the vulva: A review

“…However, if there is associated pain, discomfort, or cosmetic distress, surgical excision can be performed ( Karakaya et al., 2018 ; Maldonado, 2014 ). Although there is evidence of marsupialization of gland cysts in the vulvar vestibule (e.g., Bartholin's and Skene's gland cysts), limited data on this approach in VGCs exist ( Campbell et al., 2019 ). As with EICs, VGCs may be mistaken for Bartholin's gland cysts, Skene's gland cysts, Gartner's duct cysts, and cysts of the canal of Nuck ( Table 1 ; Campbell et al., 2019 ).…”

“…Although there is evidence of marsupialization of gland cysts in the vulvar vestibule (e.g., Bartholin's and Skene's gland cysts), limited data on this approach in VGCs exist ( Campbell et al., 2019 ). As with EICs, VGCs may be mistaken for Bartholin's gland cysts, Skene's gland cysts, Gartner's duct cysts, and cysts of the canal of Nuck ( Table 1 ; Campbell et al., 2019 ). Biopsy can be deferred unless features suspicious for malignancy are identified ( Lee et al., 2014 ).…”

Nonsquamous Lesions of the Vulvar Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue: A Review (Part 1)

“…The etiology of vulvar cysts can be classified into embryonic and nonembryonic origin. There are multiple kinds of vulvar cysts, but only the following are mentioned in the most recent WHO classification: vestibular mucous cysts, ciliated cysts of the vulva, canal of Nuck cysts that are of embryonic origin, epidermal inclusion cysts, and cystic endometriosis that are of nonembryonic origin 24 . Vestibular mucous cysts come from the minor vestibular glands of the vestibule 25 with suggested urogenital sinus endoderm or paramesonephric (Müllerian) origin 26 .…”

“…There are multiple kinds of vulvar cysts, but only the following are mentioned in the most recent WHO classification: vestibular mucous cysts, ciliated cysts of the vulva, canal of Nuck cysts that are of embryonic origin, epidermal inclusion cysts, and cystic endometriosis that are of nonembryonic origin. 24 Vestibular mucous cysts come from the minor vestibular glands of the vestibule 25 with suggested urogenital sinus endoderm or paramesonephric (Müllerian) origin. 26 Ciliated cysts are benign and uncommon cysts theorized to arise from Müllerian heterotopia, which has been supported by nuclear positivity of ER and PR.…”