Changes in the external genitalia are a reason to visit a doctor. There are a number of signs that you need to carefully study and contact a specialist. These include balls that appear on the labia.
By a ball on the labia majora or minora we mean a dense neoplasm of a round shape. It can be localized under the skin or deep in the tissue. The reasons for its appearance are very diverse. In any case, it is necessary to determine the provoking factor in order to select an effective treatment.
During the diagnostic process, parameters such as location, mobility, size, and pain of the lump are taken into account. To exclude malignancy, a histological examination of tissues taken from the patient is performed.
1. Lipomas
Formations on the genitals come in several varieties. The reasons, patterns, mechanisms of their occurrence in some cases are known and understandable, in others they remain not entirely clear. Different types of formations affect specific tissues. The following types of formations on the external genitalia are divided: lipoma, atheroma, bartholinitis, papilloma.
Lipomas
most often form in the subcutaneous fat layer. It is impossible to clearly identify the reasons for their occurrence, but a certain statistical connection with hereditary predisposition has been established. Moreover, the growth of lipomas has nothing to do with fat consumption or a tendency to develop subcutaneous fat deposits. The incidence of lipomas in thin and overweight people is the same. Lipomas can range in size from 1 to 15 cm and are usually not painful or itchy, presenting only a cosmetic problem. Cases of malignant degeneration of lipomas are very rare; More often, mechanical damage carries the threat of suppuration and infection. Lipomas up to 3 cm are treated non-surgically - by injecting them with a drug, the action of which leads to the resorption of the formation. Large lipomas are removed surgically: with laser, electrocoagulation or radioknife.
As a rule, a new lipoma does not appear at the site of a well-performed operation. However, it is not uncommon for new lipomas to form in nearby tissues.
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Tumor formations
Lumps in the groin area and labia can be a sign of a tumor process in the body. Fortunately, genital tumors are often benign.
- Fibroma is a neoplasm of benign etiology, which is localized in the connective tissue, less often in the fascia of the parametric tissue. As a rule, it is located on the labia majora. Treatment of the tumor is exclusively surgical. Our doctors effectively treat this disease, guaranteeing a further favorable prognosis.
- Fibromyoma is a tumor that does not entail tissue destruction and metastasis (also benign). It is formed from muscle fibers and appears as a lump on the labia majora. Surgical excision is mandatory.
- Lipoma is a more severe tumor that does not have a malignant etiology. It is formed from adipose tissue and is located near the vulva. It is a nodule or several overgrown small neoplasms. Located on a dense, stable leg. The size of the nodule is usually small, but tends to grow. Such a tumor is always accessible during a traditional examination without additional diagnostic procedures. You may also be able to detect a lipoma by feeling your genitals or washing your face. If the disease is not treated, various complications are possible: hemorrhage, infection, swelling and even tissue necrosis. Our surgeons excise the lipoma and prescribe further supportive therapy.
- Hidradenoma is a rare type of tumor in the genital area. It develops due to the active activity of the sweat glands and some other abnormalities. In the case of this disease, hardening in the form of nodules forms on the labia, sometimes they are localized over the entire area of the organ or are single. Hidradenoma must be treated in a timely manner, otherwise it may develop into a malignant tumor.
- Oncology. (Cancer or sarcoma of the vagina, cancer of the vulva). It appears in the form of nodes and dense tubercles in the genital area. If benign tumors practically do not cause additional symptoms, oncology is always accompanied by copious discharge of pus or mucus with a pungent odor, bleeding, and diffuse infiltrates. Unfortunately, in this case, no one can give an unambiguous favorable prognosis, even with timely treatment.
2.Atheromas
Atheroma
is a cyst filled with a yellowish fluid formed by fat cells, epidermis and sebum. Since all this in the cyst is in a state of stagnation, when opened, the substance that is usually removed has an unpleasant odor. Causes of atheroma: increased oily skin, acne, poor cleanliness, hormonal changes, heredity. Atheromas form where there are many sebaceous and sweat glands. When they grow to a size of 5 cm, tension occurs on the surface of the skin and even internal inflammation is possible. It is always recommended to remove atheromas without waiting for complications, although they also degenerate extremely rarely.
The atheroma is completely removed by isolating it from the tissue. At the same time, they try not to disrupt its integrity and make sure that no particles of the cyst shell remain, otherwise this may cause a relapse in the same place.
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Inflammation of the Bartholin gland
With bartholinitis, the ball on the labia is most often found on one side, but the bumps can also be symmetrical. A dense capsule filled with purulent contents forms on the surface of the gland. The woman experiences severe pain, which makes it difficult to move. The culprits of the disease are various pathogenic microbes that penetrate both from inside the body and from outside. The reasons may be:
There are acute and chronic (recurrent) forms of the disease. In the first case, an abscess occurs. False if the external duct of the gland becomes inflamed and clogged with secretion. Or true, when purulent exudate causes inflammation of not only the gland, but also the tissues surrounding it.
If the acute process is not treated, then after spontaneous opening of the purulent capsule, chronic bartholinitis develops. The pathological process periodically subsides and resumes, a Bartholin gland cyst is formed.
3.Bartholinitis
Bartholinitis
- This is a consequence of blockage of the Bartholin gland. It is located at the entrance to the vagina and is involved in lubrication (moistening) of the external genitalia. During moments of sexual arousal, this process is especially intense. When a blockage of the gland duct occurs, a cyst is formed in which the produced secretion accumulates. If therapeutic measures are not taken, infection and cyst rupture often occur. This gives relief because the cavity is freed from accumulated secretory masses. However, the consequences of such spontaneous opening against the background of an abscess can be very dangerous. You should definitely consult a doctor at the first sign of a lump at the entrance to the vagina. If treatment is not carried out or the cyst does not open spontaneously, general malaise begins: the temperature rises, pain is felt when walking, and signs of acute infection appear. In the most difficult cases, the abscess can spread to the internal genital organs: the uterus, appendages.
Treatment of bartholinitis in uncomplicated cases by opening the cyst is not difficult. The operation is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. In more severe cases or when a postoperative relapse is established, a decision is made on bartholinectomy (complete removal of the Bartholin gland). This is a rather complicated operation, but in some cases it cannot be avoided.
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Balls and bumps on the labia
“BUNES AND BALLS AT THE VAGINA” The vulva is one of the most popular organs of the human body. Its appearance and structure do not remain unchanged throughout life. Uneven parts, these lumps and balls, are usually normal and their number and size increase with age. Exceptions include formations, the causes of which and their nature may cause concern among women's health specialists. Therefore, noticed changes in the external genitalia should prompt the woman to go to the gynecologist for an examination.
LABAL CYST Many external genital cysts are caused by sweat glands that have become blocked. The liquid does not find a way out, as a result round, more or less dense balls appear on the labia. They tend to occur along the lines of greatest friction, especially where the seams of the trousers are. Do not squeeze or squeeze these cysts: you may cause an abscess!
WHITE BALLS ON THE LAVADIA The so-called “Fordyce spot”. These are small white or yellow lumps 1-3 mm. in diameter, they look like small pimples on the skin of the labia minora. They are painless, are slightly enlarged sebaceous glands and are absolutely harmless to health. They often become more noticeable in teenage girls during puberty, pregnancy and hormone treatment. They can also occur on the penis in men, but are not transmitted from person to person. This is a variant of the norm and it is not known why they are more noticeable in some people than in others. If they become noticeable and the appearance of a girl’s intimate area causes aesthetic discomfort, then they can be quickly and painlessly removed in our clinic.
VESTIBULAR PAPILLOMATOSIS This is a condition in which the surface of the vestibule (entrance to the vagina) and between the inner labia becomes slightly thicker and is covered with a more or less dense cover of papillomatous growths of different colors and sizes, usually not exceeding 1 mm. They often begin to grow with hormonal stimulation after puberty. The inner surface of the genitals takes on a finely warty appearance. If a separate formation reaches a significant size, then a woman may complain to the gynecologist that a lump has appeared on her labia. Here you can read in detail on the topic of removing genital warts.
4. Papillomas
Papillomas
external genitalia - this is the growth of the epidermis of the labia. By their appearance, papillomas are easily differentiated from other formations. They are usually located on a stalk, resembling the shape of a mushroom. Unlike other uncomplicated formations, papillomas may itch or hurt; They are often injured. The reason for their appearance is HPV, the human papillomavirus, which is activated under favorable conditions (decreased immunity, stress, hormonal changes). HPV infection occurs through sexual contact or from the mother at birth. The latent period of this virus (without any formations on the skin) can last indefinitely. The actual growth of the epidermis on the genitals can be provoked by a number of factors, mainly associated with a decrease or depletion of the body's protective resources.
Papillomas are always treated comprehensively: formations on the skin are surgically removed, and the human papillomavirus itself is subjected to systemic therapy aimed at increasing immunity, restoring hormonal balance and balanced metabolism.
It is necessary to treat papillomas. Not only can they grow to large sizes, but they also carry the risk of infecting a sexual partner.
Balls as benign neoplasms
Removal of lymphangioma
If a ball has formed that is of a benign type, then its timely excision can reduce the risks of tissue degeneration.
- Myxoma. It is often found on the pubis, but is also present on the large intimate folds. The internal fluid has a gelatinous yellow-white color. It is more often diagnosed in people of retirement age.
- Lymphangioma. Lymphatic formation is a painful type that is projected mainly on the labia majora. There are always several tubercles, which have a blue or crimson color and are connected to each other during growth. The rate of increase is very slow, there is no threat to life, and the prevalence among patients is high.
- Myoma. The affected area is characterized by the involvement of the deep tissues of the labia in the pathological process.
- Fibroma. The oval-shaped ball consists of connective tissue. A tendency to transform into a malignant formation is present in only one type of fibroma - desmoid.
- Hemangioma. With this compaction, doctors detect a ball on the labia minora (or labia majora). The presence of blue or red color is explained by the presence of blood in the formation (2 forms - cavernous and capillary).
If the formation of a defect is combined with the presence of cystitis, urethritis or colpitis, then it is important to eliminate these diseases in order to avoid permanent infection of the lump.
Inflammation of hair follicles
Folliculitis occurs after injury to the hair root and infection. This is preceded by careless hair removal or shaving, ingrown hairs. A white or yellow lump with a red, inflamed edge forms on the outer labia. A twisted hair is visible inside. A large pimple is filled with pus and is very painful.
Squeezing it out is extremely dangerous, otherwise harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause blood poisoning. Treatment consists of wiping the affected area with local antiseptics. To absorb the pus, make compresses with Vishnevsky ointment at night.
Fortunately, almost all diseases, the symptom of which is a ball on the half lips, can be treated. If you see a doctor in time, you can even defeat cancer.
