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Bartholin's abscess is the buildup of pus that forms a lump (swelling) in one of the Bartholin's glands, which are located on each side of the vaginal opening.
Alternative NamesAbscess - Bartholin's; Infected Bartholin's gland
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsA Bartholin's abscess forms when a small opening (duct) from the gland gets blocked. Fluid in the gland builds up and may become infected. Fluid may build up over many years before an abscess occurs.
Often the abscess appears quickly over several days and become very hot and swollen. Activity that puts pressure on the vulva, and walking and sitting, may cause excruciating pain.
Symptoms- A tender lump on either side of the vaginal opening
- Fever
- Pain with sexual intercourse
A pelvic examination reveals an enlarged and tender Bartholin's gland. A biopsy may be recommended in older women to rule out a tumor.
Any vaginal discharge or fluid drainage will be sent to a lab for analysis.
TreatmentSoaking in warm water four times a day for several days usually provides some relief and causes the abscess to open and drain on its own. However, the opening is usually very small and closes quickly, before drainage is complete.
A small surgical cut can completely drain the abscess. This provides the greatest relief and the fastest recovery. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia in a doctor's office. A catheter (tube) may be used to continue to allow draining while the area heals.
Antibiotics may be prescribed, but they are not usually needed if the abscess is drained properly.
Women who have repeated abscesses may consider a procedure called marsupialization. The procedure involves surgically creating a small, permanent opening to help the gland drain. Women with large, persistent Bartholin's cysts may also have this procedure.
Your health care provider may recommend that the glands be removed if abscesses keep coming back.
Expectations (prognosis)The chance of full recovery is excellent. About 10% of the time, abscesses recur.
It is important to treat any vaginal infection that may be diagnosed at the same time as the abscess.
ComplicationsA chronic Bartholin's duct cyst may develop. In women over the age of 40, a swollen Bartholin's gland may mean there is a cancerous tumor in the gland, although this is very rare.
Calling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if a painful, swollen lump is noted on the labia near the vaginal opening and does not improve with 2 - 3 days of home treatment. Call if pain is severe and interferes with normal activity.
Call your health care provider if you have one of these cysts and develop a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
PreventionBartholin's abscess can happen without any specific cause, so there is no specific way to prevent it.
ReferencesBirnbaumer DM, Anderegg C. Sexually transmitted diseases. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 96.
Butler KH. Incision and drainage. In: Roberts JR, Hedges JR, eds. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 37.
What else can I help you with?
What is the cpt code for incision and drainage of bartholins cyst?
The CPT code for incision and drainage of a Bartholin's cyst is 56420. This code specifically refers to the surgical procedure for draining a Bartholin's gland cyst or abscess. It's important to document the procedure accurately to ensure proper coding and billing.
What is a blind abscess?
A blind abscess is an abscess with no external opening.
What is a Bartholin abscess?
A Bartholin abscess is an abscess located in the Bartholin's gland.
What is the medical term meaning an abscess behind the tonsils?
An abscess behind the tonsils is a retrotonsillar abscess.
Can a hematoma become an abscess?
Yes, a hematoma can become an abscess. There are several types of hematoma, and a few possibilities as to what kind of abscess can develop. The type of hematoma and the circumstances that drive it to abscess will determine what kind of abscess.
What is an abscess?
A dental abscess, or tooth abscess, is an accumulation of pus that forms inside the teeth or gums. The abscess typically originates from a bacterial infection, often one that has accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth. There are 3 types of dental abscess:Gingival abscess - the abscess is only in the gum tissue and does not affect the tooth or the periodontal ligament.Periodontal abscess - this abscess starts in the supporting bone tissue structures of the teeth.Periapical abscess - this abscess commences in the soft pulp of the tooth.Visit: Evista dosages online
What do you do when you've had marsupialization on a bartholins cyst and then never healed up after the surgery?
It may be that you are experiencing exactly what you are supposed to. Marsupialization of a Bartholin's cyst is supposed to leave a small opening when it is complete. This is so that the cyst is much less likely to become infected and form an abscess after the surgery. If, on the other hand, you still have signs of infection (redness, soreness, swelling, and/or drainage), then you should see your doctor.
Can a dental abscess be deadened with novocaine?
It depends. It depends on the location of the abscess, the size of the abscess, and the nature of the abscess. Frequently, a dentist will put a patient on a regimen of antibiotics and pain pills for a few days to bring the abscess down so the local anesthetic will be effective.
What is a cat abscess?
A cat abscess is the name for an infection that festers under the skin and breaks open. Most abscess's are from cat fights.
How long is a horse contageous after the abscess dries up?
An abscess is not contagious.
What sentence can you put the word abscess in?
you could say what "does abscess mean".
What is a sentence with the word abscess?
I got a big abscess on my hand that is growing large.
