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Trauma or infection may cause obstruction of the gland; drainage of secretions is obstructed, leading to pain, swelling, and abscess formation
The infection usually resolves and pain disappears, but stenosis of the duct outlet with distention often persists
Reinfection causes recurrent tenderness and further enlargement of the duct
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Periodic painful swelling on either side of the introitus and consequent dyspareunia
A fluctuant swelling usually 1–4 cm in diameter lateral to either labium minus is a sign of occlusion of Bartholin duct
Tenderness is suggestive of active infection
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Treat according to culture results
Frequent warm soaks may be helpful
Abscesses or cysts that are symptomatic should undergo incision and drainage with additional efforts to keep the drainage tract open (eg, Word catheter or marsupialization)
Marsupialization should be considered for recurrence
Antibiotics are unnecessary unless cellulitis is present
In women under 40 years of age, asymptomatic cysts do not require therapy
In women over age 40, biopsy or removal are recommended to rule out vulvar carcinoma