Discovering a lump in the vaginal or vulvar area can cause concern. This article provides general insights into various types of lumps that can occur in this sensitive region. While many lumps are harmless, some may require medical attention. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice; any specific concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate guidance.
Normal Variations and Common Findings
The vulva, or external female genitalia, has diverse textures and structures that are a normal part of its anatomy. Variations in skin texture are common, and prominent hair follicles can be felt as small bumps, which are simply hair openings. Sebaceous glands, also known as Fordyce spots, are enlarged oil glands appearing as small, painless, white, yellowish, or flesh-colored bumps, often in clusters on the labia. These are normal skin variants and do not require treatment unless for cosmetic reasons. Underlying structures like veins or normal tissue folds might also be perceived as a lump.
Benign Causes of Lumps
Many vulvar or vaginal lumps are benign, meaning non-cancerous and often not a serious health risk. A common type is a Bartholin’s cyst, forming when a Bartholin gland duct near the vaginal opening becomes blocked. These glands produce lubricating fluid. A Bartholin’s cyst appears as a firm, round bump, ranging from pea to golf ball size. While often painless, larger cysts can cause irritation or discomfort, especially during sitting, walking, or sexual activity.
Epidermal inclusion cysts result from surface skin trapped under the skin. These firm, round, yellow-white cysts contain keratin debris, usually under 1 centimeter. They are asymptomatic unless infected or large enough to cause irritation.
Fibromas are non-cancerous fibrous tissue growths on the vulva, often small projections. Though slow-growing and painless, they can sometimes reach a significant size, causing discomfort or interfering with daily activities.
Skin tags are small, soft, fleshy growths appearing where skin rubs, including the vulva. They are typically skin-colored or darker, soft, and often stalk-like. These are harmless unless irritated by friction.
Ingrown hairs can also create small, red, tender bumps, sometimes with pus. This occurs when a hair curls back into the skin instead of growing outward, especially after shaving or waxing.
Lumps That Need Medical Evaluation
While many lumps are harmless, certain characteristics or accompanying symptoms indicate a need for medical evaluation. An infected Bartholin’s cyst, or abscess, causes significant pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling. This infection may also lead to fever, chills, and pus drainage.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also manifest as vulvar lumps or sores. Genital warts, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), appear as rough, skin-colored or whitish-grey growths, sometimes resembling cauliflower. They can be single or clustered and may cause itching or discomfort, though often painless.
Genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically presents as a cluster of itchy or painful fluid-filled blisters. These eventually break open, ooze, and form crusts before healing. Tingling, burning, or itching may precede these sores, and flu-like symptoms can also occur.
In rare instances, vulvar lumps can be precancerous or cancerous. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) refers to precancerous changes in vulvar skin cells. VIN may present as new growths, thickened or rough skin patches, or discolored areas (white, red, pink, gray, brown, or black), causing persistent itching, burning, or soreness.
Vulvar cancer, though uncommon, can appear as a lump, sore, or wart-like growth that does not heal. Other signs of vulvar cancer include persistent itching, bleeding unrelated to menstruation, changes in skin color or texture, and pain or tenderness. These changes may occur on the labia or other parts of the vulva.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Seeking professional medical advice is recommended for any new lump or change in the vaginal or vulvar area. Consult a healthcare provider if the lump is growing rapidly or changing shape. Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling around the lump also warrant evaluation.
Any discharge, non-menstrual bleeding, or persistent itching associated with a lump should prompt a doctor’s visit. Changes in the lump’s color or texture, or if it feels firm, hard, or fixed, are concerning.
If a lump causes discomfort, interferes with daily activities, or causes anxiety, a medical professional can provide diagnosis and treatment. Only a healthcare provider can accurately assess the lump’s nature and determine the best course of action.