Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Bartholin Cyst - Triage

Audience: pediatric

A Bartholin cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that can develop near the opening of the vagina when the Bartholin glands get blocked. These cysts are usually painless and may go away on their own, but sometimes they can become infected and cause an abscess, which is painful and may need medical care. In children and adolescents, Bartholin cysts are less common but can still occur. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and provide advice on care. However, certain warning signs mean an in-person visit is important. These include severe pain, fever, rapid swelling, or signs of infection. This guide helps families understand when to seek urgent care and what to expect from telehealth visits. Remember, telemedicine can support early evaluation and guidance but cannot replace hands-on examination or procedures that might be needed for some cases.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain or rapidly increasing swelling near the cyst — seek urgent in-person care.
• Fever over 38°C (100.4°F) or chills accompanying the cyst — may indicate infection requiring evaluation.
• Difficulty urinating, walking, or sitting due to the cyst — needs prompt medical assessment.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Providing advice on home care such as warm compresses.
• Determining if symptoms are mild and can be monitored remotely.
• Answering questions about Bartholin cysts and general guidance.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination or drainage procedures.
• Diagnosing complex or unusual lumps.
• Treating severe infections or abscesses requiring antibiotics or surgery.
• Managing urinary retention or other urgent complications.

What Is a Bartholin Cyst?

A Bartholin cyst happens when one of the Bartholin glands, located on each side of the vaginal opening, gets blocked. These glands normally release fluid that helps keep the area moist. When blocked, fluid builds up and forms a small lump or swelling. Most cysts are painless and small, but sometimes they can grow larger or become infected.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Many Bartholin cysts cause little or no discomfort. However, if the cyst becomes infected, it can turn into an abscess. Signs of infection include:

If your child shows these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine visits can be useful to:

This can save time and reduce stress, especially if travel or clinic visits are difficult.

When to See a Healthcare Provider In Person

Some situations require an in-person exam or treatment, including:

In these cases, a healthcare provider may need to drain the cyst or prescribe antibiotics.

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment:

This helps the provider give the best advice possible.

After the Telemedicine Visit

After your appointment:

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice red flags or if symptoms do not improve.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a private, well-lit area for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of symptoms and questions ready to discuss.
• Be prepared to describe or show the affected area if comfortable.
• Have a thermometer to check for fever before the visit.
• Note any recent infections or relevant medical history.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Apply warm compresses as advised to help reduce discomfort.
• Monitor symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or worsening symptoms appear.
• Schedule follow-up visits as recommended by your provider.

FAQs

What causes a Bartholin cyst in children?

Bartholin cysts occur when the gland's duct becomes blocked, causing fluid to build up. In children and adolescents, this can happen due to infections or irritation, but sometimes the exact cause is unknown.

Can a Bartholin cyst go away on its own?

Yes, many Bartholin cysts are small and painless and may go away without treatment. Warm compresses can help speed up healing.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for a Bartholin cyst?

Telemedicine can be helpful for initial evaluation and advice, especially if symptoms are mild. However, if there are signs of infection or severe pain, an in-person visit is important.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

If your child has severe pain, high fever, difficulty urinating or walking, or if the swelling is growing quickly, seek emergency medical care promptly.

Can Bartholin cysts become cancerous?

Bartholin cysts are usually benign and not cancerous, especially in children. However, any unusual or persistent lumps should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Sources

1. Bartholin's Cyst and Abscess — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Bartholin Gland Cyst and Abscess — Mayo Clinic.
3. Bartholin Cyst — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Bartholin Gland Cyst and Abscess — FamilyDoctor.org, American Academy of Family Physicians.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have any concerns or your child's symptoms worsen, please seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.