Review Question - QID 108748

The most likely diagnosis in this patient is a Bartholin gland cyst. Bartholin glands develop from the urogenital sinus.

Bartholin glands are secretory glands located in the posterolateral aspect of the vagina at the base of the labia minora. Their main function is to secrete vaginal lubrication. Bartholin gland cysts arise when ducts within the glands become obstructed due to infection, inflammation, or mucus buildup. These cysts are usually asymptomatic unless they grow in size, in which case they can lead to dyspareunia, drainage, and discomfort while walking or sitting. Bartholin cysts are derived from the urogenital sinus and are homologous to the bulbourethral (Cowper) glands in males.

Illustration A demonstrates the classic appearance and location of a Bartholin gland cyst. Note the location on the posterolateral aspect of the right labia minora.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: The paramesonephric (Mullerian) duct forms the female internal sex organs, including the Fallopian tubes, uterus, and upper 1/3 of the vaginal canal.

Answer 2: The genital tubercle gives rise to the glans clitoris and vestibular bulbs in females. In males, it gives rise to the glans penis, corpus cavernosum, and corpus sponogiosum.

Answer 4: The urogenital fold gives rise to the labia minora in women and the ventral shaft of the penis in men.

Answer 5: The labioscrotal swelling gives rise to the labia majora in women and the scrotum in men.

Bullet Summary:
Bartholin glands are lubricating glands located on the posterolateral aspect of the labia minora that are derived from the urogenital sinus. They can form cysts that present with dyspareunia, discomfort, and drainage.