Persistent Vulvar Lesion Concerns
I hope this isn’t too much information to share, but I’m reaching out for insights possibly within a medical community. Five years ago, when I was 28, I discovered a firm lump beneath the skin on the side of my labia. After treating it with warm compresses, the lump eventually surfaced and burst. Initially, I suspected it was a Bartholin’s cyst and started managing it accordingly. Due to the COVID pandemic, my first consultation with a doctor was conducted virtually. Unfortunately, the issue persisted; the lump repeatedly filled with a mix of whitish and clear pus, along with some blood underneath, causing significant discomfort. To get relief, I had to manually rupture it on several occasions. Fast forward to now, after several years of dealing with this, I sought medical assistance again. I underwent surgery while under anesthesia, where the aim was to drain or remove the lesion, but the procedure was unsuccessful. The area was stitched up, but the lesion returned within a week. At that time, the tissue that was extracted was sent for a biopsy, which confirmed that it was non-cancerous. My doctor clarified that it wasn’t a cyst but described it as a "lesion." Following the unsuccessful surgery, I was informed that there were no further treatment options available. While I understand this, I struggle with the reality of living with this issue indefinitely. It continues to fill with fluid, becoming increasingly uncomfortable until I can manage to drain it again, which isn’t easy, especially when I’m away from home. No sexual partner has mentioned it during intimacy, so it seems to remain discreet when drained, but I’m still troubled by its presence. I also worry about the risk of STDs due to having an ongoing open wound. Since it’s confirmed to be non-cancerous, what could it possibly be? And why is this happening to me? Is this something I will have to cope with for the entirety of my life?
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 6:31:03 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience, and I completely empathize with the challenges you've faced regarding this persistent vulvar lesion. The situation can be frustrating and worrying, especially when it impacts your comfort and peace of mind.
Main Points:
- Your history suggests the lesion may be a type of chronic skin condition or a recurrent form of a benign growth.
- Management may involve self-care strategies to minimize discomfort and prevent infection.
- Understanding your concern about long-term implications and managing symptoms is vital.
Explanation:
Given that the biopsy confirmed a non-cancerous lesion and that it has resisted multiple treatment attempts, this could be a chronic condition, such as a sebaceous cyst, hidradenitis suppurativa, or another benign growth. Each of these conditions can cause recurring fluid accumulation and discomfort. It’s understandable to worry about the ongoing presence of this lesion and its potential impact on your life.
The fact that it hasn't been flagged by sexual partners may indicate it can remain discreet, but you are right to consider hygiene and the potential risk of infection or STDs, especially with recurrent rupturing of the lesion.
Next Steps:
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Hygiene & Care: Maintain good hygiene in the area. Gently wash with mild soap and water daily, and avoid any harsh products that might irritate the skin.
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Self-Drainage Technique: If you feel comfortable and the lesion fills again, you could try a safe self-drainage technique. Ensure the area is disinfected before and after, and avoid using sharp objects which could increase infection risk.
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep track of the lesion’s changes in size, color, and any accompanying symptoms (like increased redness or pain). This will help to identify any patterns or triggers.
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Consulting a Specialist: If persistent discomfort continues, consider seeking a second opinion from a specialized dermatologist or a gynecologist. They may have additional treatment options or advanced therapies to propose, such as laser treatment or medication to manage the condition.
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Discuss Long-Term Management: Ask about strategies to manage discomfort long-term, including over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or topical treatments that may help reduce inflammation in the area.
It’s important to stay proactive about your health while trying to find the best way to manage this condition. You're not alone in this situation, and there should be more options that can improve your quality of life. If you'd like more specific information on treatments or therapies, feel free to ask!
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