Vaginal cysts

Vaginal cysts are uncommon benign cysts that develop in the vaginal wall.^[1][2] The type of epithelial tissue lining a cyst is used to classify these growths.^[3] They can be congenital.^[4][5][6][7] They can present in childhood and adulthood.^[7] The most common type is the squamous inclusion cyst. It develops within vaginal tissue present at the site of an episiotomy or other vaginal surgical sites.^[7][8] In most instances they do not cause symptoms and present with few or no complications.^[8][4] A vaginal cyst can develop on the surface of the vaginal epithelium or in deeper layers. Often, they are found by the woman herself and as an incidental finding during a routine pelvic examination.^{[8][9][10][3]} Vaginal cysts can mimic other structures that protrude from the vagina such as a rectocele and cystocele.^[1][11] Some cysts can be distinguished visually but most will need a biopsy to determine the type.^[8][12] Vaginal cysts can vary in size and can grow as large as 7 cm.^[1][13] Other cysts can be present on the vaginal wall though mostly these can be differentiated.^[8][14] Vaginal cysts can often be palpated (felt) by a clinician. Vaginal cysts are one type of vaginal mass, others include cancers and tumors.^[15] The prevalence of vaginal cysts is uncertain since many go unreported but it is estimated that 1 out of 200 women have a vaginal cyst.^[1][10] Vaginal cysts may initially be discovered during pregnancy and childbirth. These are then treated to provide an unobstructed delivery of the infant.^[1] Growths that originate from the urethra and other tissue can present as cysts of the vagina.^[16]