Uncommon Presentation of Vulvar Mucinous Cyst with Multiple Bartholin Cysts in a Reproductive-Age Woman: A Rare Case Study and Literature Review
A recent case report published in Volume 12 of Oncoscience on October 9, 2025, highlights a unique scenario involving a 36-year-old woman with a vulvar mucinous cyst that closely resembled a benign lipoma. This patient also had multiple Bartholin gland cysts, a rare occurrence. The study emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation when uncommon cysts mimic more common conditions, such as lipomas.
Vulvovaginal cysts are typically benign and often go unnoticed. While Bartholin gland cysts are relatively common, mucinous cysts in the vulvar region are much rarer. These less common cysts can mimic typical soft tissue growths, making diagnosis challenging and sometimes delayed.
The patient, a mother of one, presented with lower abdominal and back pain lasting 1-2 months, along with prolonged menstrual bleeding lasting 10-12 days. A soft, pedunculated mass on the left labia majora appeared clinically similar to a lipoma, while smaller incidental cysts on the inner labia minora were identified as Bartholin cysts. All lesions were surgically removed and examined microscopically.
The large mass was confirmed as a mucinous vulvar cyst, showing no signs of malignancy. The smaller lesions were indeed Bartholin cysts. The patient's recovery was successful, and she was advised to return for routine follow-up.
This case highlights the potential for vulvar cysts, even though often harmless, to mimic other benign conditions like lipomas or fibroepithelial polyps. Their unusual appearance and location can complicate diagnosis, making surgical removal and histopathological analysis crucial for accurate identification. In gynecological care, careful evaluation of atypical or enlarging lesions is essential.
By documenting this rare presentation, the authors contribute to a better understanding and management of uncommon vulvar conditions. This case not only adds to the limited literature on mucinous vulvar cysts but also underscores the importance of thorough clinical examination in reproductive-age women presenting with vulvar masses.
Source:
Journal reference: Kumar, N., et al. (2025). Vulvar Mucinous Cyst Mimicking Common Lesions with Concurrent Multiple Bartholin Cysts in a Reproductive-Age Woman: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature. Oncoscience. doi.org/10.18632/oncoscience.630
