Bartholin cyst vs. Cancer...differences?

What is the difference between having a bartholin cyst and having vaginal cancer? I found a lump down there and belive it to be a cyst since i've had a history of having cysts in that area. I'm 22 but i'm petrified at the thought of cancer.The lump does not hurt and doesn't feel hard but it doesn't feel completely fluid like either. It's the size of a peanut or walnut and started out small but for the past few monthes has grown slowly. Any help?

Bartholin cyst vs. Cancer...differences?
Bartholin's gland cysts are mucus-filled and occur on either side of the vaginal opening. They are the most common large vulvar cysts. Symptoms of large cysts include vulvar irritation, dyspareunia, pain with walking, and vulvar asymmetry. Bartholin's cysts may form abscesses, which are painful and usually red. Diagnosis is by physical examination. Large cysts and abscesses require drainage with or without excision; abscesses sometimes require antibiotics. (Merck)


A chronic Bartholin's duct cyst may develop if the fluid of the abscess is scraped off from the surrounding tissue. In women over the age of 40, a swollen Bartholin's gland may mean there is a tumor in the gland, although this is very rare.


Cysts are usually palpable near the vaginal orifice. They can distend the affected labia majora, causing vulvar asymmetry.


Vulvar cancers, some of which develop from Bartholin's glands, may resemble cysts. Consequently, cysts are biopsied in women %26gt; 40.


Vulvar cancer is usually a squamous cell skin cancer, most often occurring in elderly women. It usually manifests as a palpable lesion. Diagnosis is by biopsy. Treatment includes excision and inguinal and femoral lymph node dissection.
Reply:a cyst you will be able to move around inbetween your fingers, cancer doesn't move as it is usually attatched to something.





cysts are puss filled pockets, where as cancer is a solid mass. you need to have it drained. the doctor will rule out cancer upon test results.





good luck!