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Medical Video: Hidradenitis Suppurativa? Cat Food's Abscess, Carbuncle, Boil... Procedure
You may find a boil or lump on the lips of the vagina while shaving or while taking a shower. You are always taught to be aware that any lumps that arise in the genital area can be dangerous. You start panicking, thinking that the lump is a symptom of venereal disease. Or, you worry about boils that you find may be some kind of cancer. Now you are truly panic, then start opening a new internet tab to find answers to your anger.
Sounds familiar?
Let's examine one by one your fears ranging from the worst to the most common causes of nodules, warts, or bumps on your vaginal lips.
Could the lump on my vaginal lips be ...
1. Cancer of the vulva
Vulvar cancer is a cancer that attacks the outside of the female reproductive system (vulva). This area includes the front of the vagina, vaginal lips (labia), clitoris, and skin and tissue covering the pubic bone. One sign is that warts that grow on the vulva or lumps in the labia are followed by the following signs: bleeding after intercourse, pain in the vulva, changes in skin color, and itching and burning of a long-lasting vulva.
It is unlikely that the lump you find is a cancer cell tumor. Vulvar cancer is rare, only occupying 3-4% of the total cancer cases of female reproductive organs. This type of cancer is slow skin cancer, it takes years to develop. Precancerous changes can usually be detected and treated.
2. Genital herpes
Genital herpes in women generally does not cause any signs and symptoms at all (asymptomatic). But, if there is, genital herpes causes ulcers or sores instead of lumps. Ulcers usually feel itchy, burning heat, and quite sick. Ulcers are initially small bumps like insect bites which turn into open blisters and look like boils. If you have genital herpes ulcers you will quickly realize it because of the pain and discomfort it causes.
3. Genital warts
Small fleshy lumps that are dense, arise, and have a rough surface can be a sign of genital warts. Genital warts caused by human papilloma virus or HPV. This lump resembles cauliflower and can grow in groups. You can get genital warts through sexual intercourse or even touch the genitals with the hand that carries the virus.
Warts can grow on the vaginal lips (labia), inside the vagina, on the cervix, and even around the anus. Lumps start as small-sized nodules of pink or brown rice grains. Some warts cause no pain and are almost invisible, while others can grow to a diameter of more than 7 cm. Some genital warts will cause itching and burning.
But on the other hand, most people who have HPV infection can not develop warts at all. If genital warts appear, it will only appear in a few weeks, months, or even years after you are first exposed to contact with a virus.
4. Ulcer mole (chancroid)
Chancroid or mole ulcer is a genital infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. Bacteria produce open sores or sores that appear on or near external reproductive organs. Scabs may bleed easily to the touch or produce infectious pus that can spread bacteria during oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
Chancroid can also spread between skin contact with an infected person. Women can develop four or more red bumps in the labia, between the labia and anus, or in the thighs. After the lump becomes ulcers, or is open, you may experience a burning sensation or pain when you urinate or defecate. Ulcers have a soft central point gray to grayish yellow with sharp and clear edges.
5. Syphilis
During the primary stage of syphilis, ulcers that usually cause pain develop where the bacteria enter the body. This usually occurs within 3 weeks of exposure, but can range from 10 to 90 days. In women, the ulcer can appear on the outside of the vagina or inside. Ulcers are usually painless and not easily visible. You can not know you have an ulcer if it grows in the vagina or at the opening of the uterus (cervix).
Ulcers can also appear in areas of the body other than the genitals. Ulcers usually last for 3 to 6 weeks, can heal on their own without treatment, and can leave thin scars. But even though the ulcer has healed, the virus is still there and you can still transmit the infection to others.
6. Molluscum contagiosum
Growth of warts or extra skin similar to moles that arise abnormally can be caused by molluscum contagiosum, a virus that is transmitted through skin contact or contamination from the exchange of personal items, such as towels. Warts were initially small, dense, dome-shaped, painless, pink or flesh-like. The wart also has a dimple in the center, looks slippery like a candle and glows milky white. Warts will spread in all parts of the body, especially many will appear on the face, except in the palms and feet. Warts will turn red once your body's immune system starts fighting the virus, and will usually be immune to treatment if you have a weak immune system.
Venereal disease is not always the cause of warts and lumps on the lips of the vagina. There are several chronic skin conditions that can produce injuries and similar symptoms, such as itching, burning sensation, and pain.
What else can cause ulcers and lumps on the lips of the vagina?
1. Vulvovaginitis
Vulvovaginitis is inflammation or infection around the vaginal lips (labia) and perineal area. This is a common condition that affects women and girls of all ages, and has various causes. Candida albicans is a fungal infection that is a common cause of vulvovaginitis. Vulvovaginitis in young women can be caused by low estrogen levels.
Vulvovaginitis will affect about 75 percent of women in their lives. This fungal infection can cause intense white itching and vaginal discharge similar to cottage cheese. Another sign is pain when urinating.
2. Dermatitis
Eczema refers to skin conditions that cause inflamed, swollen, irritated, and itchy skin. One type of eczema that often occurs is atopic dermatitis (caused by skin sensitivity to allergens) and contact dermatitis (caused by external or chemical irritants).
Symptoms associated with allergic contact dermatitis include: dry, scaly, flaky skin, itching, runny boils or dry blisters, redness of the skin, dark or rough skin, burning sensation with or without ulcers. extreme itching.
3. Vaginal cyst
Vaginal cysts usually form when the skin glands or sweat ducts are blocked, causing clots of fluid or other material under the skin. Cysts often look like pimples or lumps under the skin. If the size is large enough or not uncomfortable, the doctor can deflate the lump. Pressing the cyst itself is not a good idea because it can open the gate for bacterial entry and cause infection and festering; usually caused by bacteria that cause sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
The cause of vaginal cysts depends on the type:
- Inclusion cysts are one of the most common types of vaginal cysts, usually very small and located in the lower wall of the vagina. Inclusion cysts are caused by trauma to the vaginal wall. For example, from an episiotomy (voluntary incision to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth)
- Bartholin cyst is a fluid-filled cyst, formed on the Bartholin gland. These glands are located on both sides of the opening to the vagina and are producers of fluids that lubricate the vaginal lips (labia)
- Gartner gland cysts occur when the ducts in the embryo develop do not disappear as they should when the baby is born. These remaining channels can form vaginal cysts later on
- Müllerian cysts are another common type of vaginal cyst that is formed from structures that are left behind when the baby develops. These cysts can grow anywhere on the vaginal wall and often contain mucus
Remember that the best thing you can do if you see or suspect a lump in the vaginal lips or any physical changes that appear abnormal is to consult an obstetrician to be examined and get a correct diagnosis. That way you will have peace of mind.
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