Swelling in the vaginal entrance

Definition

Swelling of the vaginal entrance is a problem that many women face during their lifetime. Many fear malignant changes. Although these can also be the cause of swelling, other, diverse causes such as inflammation are much more common. Since inflammations can also be dangerous for the body and sometimes contagious, the gynaecologist should be consulted for every swelling.

Causes

The causes of swelling in the vaginal entrance are very diverse. Inflammations are the first of these. The most common is Bartholinitis.

This infection of the excretory duct of the Bartholin gland can be caused by various germs. It leads to a purulent inflammation in which the surrounding tissue swells. The swelling is usually unilateral in the posterior third of the labia and can become the size of a chicken egg.

It usually causes severe pain. Other inflammations of the labia and vagina can also lead to swelling. The pathogens are manifold and can be fungi, bacteria, viruses or parasites.

Furthermore, but more rarely, benign and malignant changes of the labia and vagina can lead to swelling. Benign changes include lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. A cell reduction of the skin can lead to skin changes.

Also condylomas and papillomas are benign. Condylomas are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and cause cockscomb-like, pointed or flat, painless warts. Papillomas have a more cauliflower-like appearance. Malignant changes include vulvar or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN/VAIN), which are precursors to vaginal carcinomas. During the growth of the malignant cells, swelling may occur.

Duration

Depending on the cause, the swelling can develop and persist slowly or quickly. In case of inflammation they can develop within a few days. Tumors usually grow more slowly and often remain asymptomatic for a long time. With drug therapy, the swelling usually disappears within four weeks; if removed surgically, it should not be present after the operation.

Diagnosis

A gynecological examination is necessary to diagnose swelling in the vaginal area. In the run-up to the examination, the doctor will discuss the current symptoms. During the examination, the outer and inner vagina is examined and palpated and smears are taken.

For the diagnosis of bartholinitis, a gaze diagnosis is usually sufficient, since the appearance is very clear. For other inflammations, the smear is used to detect the pathogen. In order to exclude benign and malignant changes, samples are taken from the respective swollen region in order to detect a cell change.