Benign cystic lesions of the vagina: a literature review.
OBJECTIVE
Knowledge of the etiology, evaluation and treatment of cystic lesions of the vagina is essential as these lesions are often encountered in urological and gynecological practices.


METHODS
We searched MEDLINE and MeSH for literature from the last 50 years referring to cysts of the vagina. Review of the literature regarding etiology, clinical and pathological diagnosis, prognosis and treatment identified 18 journal articles and 6 books.


RESULTS
Benign cystic lesions of the vagina present a spectrum, from small asymptomatic lesions to cysts large enough to cause urinary obstruction. History, physical examination and radiological imaging, including voiding cystourethrogram and magnetic resonance imaging, are useful in diagnosis. Treatment is determined by the severity of symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Cystic lesions of the vagina are relatively common and usually represent benign conditions. A vaginal cyst may be an embryological derivative, ectopic tissue or urological abnormality. Awareness of the various diagnoses of benign cystic lesions of the vagina and associated abnormalities will aid in evaluation and treatment.
Eilber
Karyn Schlunt
KS
Department of Urology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
Raz
Shlomo
S
D000328:Adult; D001472:Bartholin's Glands / Q000473:pathology; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D004240:Diverticulum / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009095:Mullerian Ducts / Q000473:pathology; D010808:Physical Examination; D014522:Urethral Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy