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Vulva Lumps
By peace | November 4, 2006
Restful Beauty By Titiano
The vulva is the part of the female anatomy that surrounds the vaginal and bladder openings and consists mainly of four skin folds. Two skin folds on either side of the openings. The four folds are joint in front of the bladder opening to surround the clitoris.
The vulva is examined as part of the annual gynecological check up. If you discover any lumps or sores let it immediately be checked. Although relatively rare cancer does occur on the vulva.
1. Bartholin Cysts
A lump or swelling occurring at either side of the entrance to the vagina is most probably a Bartholin cyst. One of the most common lumps occurring on the vulva is a Bartholin cyst. It is a swelling that is caused by a blocked gland. The Bartolin glands are two large glades situated on either side of the vaginal openings. The are responsible for secreting lubricating fluid during sexual arousal. When one of these glans are block a lump develops at the entrance of vagina. If the contents became infected a Bartholin abscess can occur. This is very painful condition. Bartholin cysts and abscesses keep on recurring if not properly treated.
The treatment is surgical drainage . The best results are achieved through a drainage procedure known as marsupialization. Under certain conditions total removal of the effected gland might be necessary.
2. Sebaceous Cysts
They occur anywhere on the vulva. Small lumps of variable size and are benign. They developed in blocked sebaceous glands (skin oil glands).
3. Genital Warts
The scientific name for this condition is “Condiloma accuminata”. It is a benign growth caused by a virus (Human Papilloma virus) It is a contagious condition and can be sexually transmitted. They begin as small lesions and if not treated in the early stages they will multiply and enlarge. In advance cases the whole vulva may consists of warts disturbing the anatomy of the vulva and causing sexual dysfunction. They basically consist of skin folds that are formed by fast growing cells.
The diagnosis is confirmed via biospies and histology ( microscopic examintion of the tissue obtained during the biopsy).
Different treatment options are available. The latest is applying an an antiviral ointment. Surgical removal, laser treatment, application of chemicals to destroy the wart tissue and application of antiviral ointments. The antiviral drug in the ointment infiltrate the wart tissue and immobilizes the papilloma viruses causing the warts.
The treatment option to be implemented should be decided in consultation with the treating medical practioner. Repeated treatments might be necessary for optimum results.
4. Malignant Growths of the Vulva (Cancer)
Vulvar cancer is not very common but early detection is very important.
Early cancer can appear in different forms. It may appear as small hard swellings, sores ( ulcers), depigmentated areas ( white skin patches) or hiperpigmentated ( dark patches). It can occur in the Bartholins glands although very rarely.
Vulval inspection is part of the annual check up, but do not rely completely on that. Regular inspection ( mirror) for white or dark patches and feeling for lumps is important. Anything that alarms you should be futher investigated. Rather visit a doct
Facts About Cysts
A cyst is a closed pocket or bladder-like structure that is not a normal part of the tissue where it is found. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material.
Cysts are common and can occur anywhere in the body in persons of any age. Cysts vary in size; they may be detectable only under a microscope or they can grow so large that they displace normal organs and tissues. The outer wall of a cyst is called the capsule.
Cysts can arise through a variety of processes in the body, including:
* “Wear and tear” or simple obstructions to the flow of fluid
* Infections
* Tumors
* Chronic inflammatory conditions
* Genetic (inherited) conditions
* Defects in developing organs in the embryo
The majority of cysts are benign, but some may produce symptoms due to their size and/or location. Rarely, cysts can be associated with malignant tumors (cancers) or serious infections.
The treatment for a cyst depends upon the cause of the cyst along with its location. Cysts that are very large and result in symptoms due to their size may be surgically removed. Sometimes the fluid contained within a cyst can be drained, or aspirated, by inserting a needle or catheter into the cyst cavity, resulting in collapse of the cyst. Radiologic imaging may be used for guidance in draining (aspirating) cyst contents if the cyst is not easily accessible.
If there is any suspicion that a cyst is cancerous, the cyst is generally removed by surgery, or a biopsy is taken of the cyst wall (capsule) to rule out malignancy. In certain cases, aspirated fluid from a cyst is examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present in the cyst.
Topics: All Posts | 1 Comment »
April 7th, 2008 at 8:16 am
i have lil lumps around my vagina, on the outside of it, theyre itchy sometimes but not all the time, no blisters at ALL .. ive had them for as long as i can remember, but im still worried for some reason. if you have any answers for me please tell me what you think, i wanna hear an answer from someone else before i get checked by a gynocologist. thanks.