Finding a lump in or around the vagina or vulva can understandably be worrying. However, there are many possible causes of vulval and vaginal lumps, and most are not caused by cancer.
A lump may be caused by something as simple as a blocked gland, cyst, skin tag or infection. Other lumps may require further investigation or treatment.
Because it is difficult to identify the cause of a lump by appearance or touch alone, it is important to have any new, persistent or unusual lump assessed by a healthcare professional.
At Gynae Solution, Mr Jafaru Abu will take the time to understand your symptoms, examine the area carefully and, where necessary, arrange further investigations to establish the cause.
What Are Vulval and Vaginal Lumps?
The vulva refers to the external female genital area, including the labia, clitoris and the area surrounding the opening of the vagina.
The vagina is the muscular canal that connects the vulva with the cervix and womb.
A lump can develop anywhere in or around these areas and may feel:
- Soft or firm
- Smooth or irregular
- Small or relatively large
- Painful or completely painless
- Mobile or fixed in position
- Superficial or deeper beneath the skin
You may notice the lump yourself, or it may be identified during a routine gynaecological examination.
The appearance and feel of a lump can provide some clues about its cause, but further assessment may sometimes be needed.
What Causes Vulval and Vaginal Lumps?
There are many possible causes. Some are common and harmless, while others may need treatment.
Bartholin's Cyst
A Bartholin's cyst is one of the more common causes of a lump near the entrance to the vagina.
The Bartholin's glands are located on either side of the vaginal opening and produce fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. If the duct from the gland becomes blocked, fluid can build up and form a cyst.
A Bartholin's cyst may feel like a soft lump on one side of the vaginal opening.
Small cysts may cause no symptoms, while a larger cyst can cause discomfort when:
- Walking
- Sitting
- Having sexual intercourse
If the cyst becomes infected, it can develop into an abscess, which may become very painful and swollen and can be associated with pus, redness or a high temperature.
Skin Cysts
Other types of cyst can develop within the skin or tissues around the vulva.
These may be small and painless but can sometimes become inflamed or infected.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, soft pieces of extra skin that can occur around the vulva.
They are usually harmless and do not require treatment unless they become irritated or troublesome.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
They can appear as small raised lumps or groups of growths around the vulva or vaginal opening.
Infections and Abscesses
An infection can cause a painful, swollen lump.
The area may become red, hot or tender and there may be pus or discharge. You may also feel generally unwell or develop a fever.
A painful lump that develops quickly should be assessed promptly.
Benign Growths
There are a number of benign growths that can develop within the vulval or vaginal tissues.
These may include different types of non-cancerous tissue growth and are often identified during a physical examination.
Vaginal Wall Prolapse
Sometimes what feels like a vaginal lump may actually be caused by a prolapse, where one of the pelvic organs pushes into or towards the vaginal wall.
This can cause a sensation of pressure, a bulge or something coming down through the vagina.
Vulval Skin Conditions
Conditions affecting the skin of the vulva, including inflammatory skin conditions, can cause thickened, raised or altered areas that may feel like a lump.
Persistent itching, skin changes or a new area of thickened skin should be assessed.
Less Common Causes
Less commonly, a lump may be associated with a condition affecting the vulva or vagina, including vulval or vaginal cancer.
Vulval cancer is rare and can present as a lump, sore, ulcer or area of altered skin. Vaginal cancer is also rare but can present with a lump within the vagina or at the vaginal entrance.
Having a vulval or vaginal lump does not mean that you have cancer. Most lumps have a benign explanation. However, an unexplained lump should be assessed so that the cause can be established.
Symptoms Associated With Vulval and Vaginal Lumps
The lump itself may be the only symptom you notice.
Depending on the underlying cause, you may also experience:
- Pain or tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness or irritation
- Itching
- Burning
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Discomfort when sitting or walking
- Vaginal discharge
- Blood-stained discharge
- Bleeding from the vulva
- A change in the appearance of the vulval skin
- A sore or ulcer
- A feeling of pressure or fullness
- Difficulty passing urine
- A sensation of a bulge within the vagina
Not everyone with a significant underlying condition will experience pain. Some lumps may be completely painless.
When Should I See a Doctor?
You should arrange an appointment with your GP or a gynaecologist if you notice:
- A new lump in or around your vagina
- A lump that does not disappear
- A lump that is increasing in size
- A hard or unusual lump
- A lump that repeatedly returns
- A painful or swollen lump
- A lump accompanied by unusual discharge
- Bleeding from the vulva or vagina
- A persistent sore or ulcer
- Changes to the colour or texture of the vulval skin
- Persistent itching or irritation
The NHS advises that lumps around the vagina should be assessed by a GP.
NICE guidance also recommends considering a suspected cancer pathway referral for an unexplained vulval lump, and for an unexplained palpable mass in or at the entrance to the vagina.
This does not mean that an unexplained lump is likely to be cancer. An urgent referral simply allows appropriate specialist assessment to take place without unnecessary delay.
How Are Vulval and Vaginal Lumps Diagnosed?
The first step is a detailed discussion about your symptoms and medical history.
Mr Abu may ask:
- When you first noticed the lump
- Whether it has changed in size
- Whether it is painful
- Whether the lump changes during your menstrual cycle
- Whether you have experienced previous lumps
- Whether you have noticed discharge
- Whether there has been any bleeding
- Whether you have experienced itching or irritation
- Whether you have pain during sex
- Whether you have urinary or bowel symptoms
- Whether you have experienced recent infections
- Your previous gynaecological history
- Any previous treatment for similar symptoms
Physical Examination
A careful examination of the vulva and vagina is usually an important part of the assessment.
Mr Abu will look at the area and may gently feel the lump to assess:
- Its size
- Location
- Texture
- Mobility
- Tenderness
- Whether it appears superficial or deeper within the tissues
A vaginal examination may also be appropriate depending on where the lump is located and what symptoms you are experiencing.
You will have the opportunity to discuss the examination beforehand, and you can ask questions or request that the examination stops at any point.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan may be recommended if the lump cannot be fully assessed through examination or if it appears to be deeper within the tissues.
Ultrasound can help determine whether a swelling is fluid-filled, solid or has other characteristics that require further investigation.
Biopsy
If the appearance of a lump or area of altered skin is unusual, a biopsy may be recommended.
A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue so that it can be examined under a microscope.
This can help establish whether the area is:
- Benign
- Inflammatory
- Related to a skin condition
- Precancerous
- Cancerous
A biopsy does not mean that cancer is suspected in every case. It is often the most reliable way to establish exactly what an unusual area represents.
NICE guidance notes that definitive diagnosis of suspected vulval cancer requires a biopsy in secondary care.
Further Investigations
Depending on the location and characteristics of the lump, additional imaging or specialist investigations may be recommended.
You will not necessarily need every investigation. The assessment will be tailored to your symptoms and the findings during your examination.
How Are Vulval and Vaginal Lumps Treated?
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause.
Some lumps do not require treatment and can simply be monitored.
Others may need medication, drainage, removal or treatment of the underlying condition.
Treatment of Bartholin's Cysts
A small Bartholin's cyst that is not causing symptoms may not require treatment.
If a cyst becomes infected, treatment may include antibiotics.
If an abscess is particularly painful or does not respond to antibiotics, a procedure may be required to drain it. A small catheter may sometimes be placed into the cyst to allow it to continue draining while it heals.
If a Bartholin's cyst repeatedly returns, further treatment may be recommended.
Treatment of Infections
If the lump is caused by an infection, treatment will depend on the type of infection identified.
This may involve antibiotics or other appropriate medication.
Where a sexually transmitted infection is suspected, testing and treatment for both partners may be recommended depending on the infection.
Removal of Benign Lumps
If a benign lump is causing discomfort, irritation or concern, surgical removal may sometimes be considered.
The removed tissue can be sent to a laboratory for examination to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Skin Conditions
If the lump or thickened area is related to a vulval skin condition, treatment will focus on controlling the underlying condition.
This may involve prescription creams or other specialist treatments.
Treatment of Prolapse
If the sensation of a lump is actually caused by vaginal or pelvic organ prolapse, treatment may include pelvic floor exercises, physiotherapy, pessaries or surgery depending on the severity of the prolapse and your symptoms.
Treatment of Vulval or Vaginal Cancer
If investigations identify cancer, you will be referred to a specialist cancer team.
Treatment will depend on the type, size and location of the cancer and whether it has spread.
Treatment can include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of treatments.
Vulval and Vaginal Lumps and Cancer
It is completely understandable to worry about cancer when you discover a lump.
However, it is important to remember that there are many more common benign causes of vulval and vaginal lumps.
Vulval cancer is rare, although a lump is one of the possible symptoms. Other symptoms can include a persistent sore or ulcer, itching that does not improve, skin colour or texture changes, bleeding or burning when passing urine.
Vaginal cancer is also rare. A lump in the vagina or at the entrance to the vagina can be one of its symptoms, alongside bleeding, discharge or pain.
The important message is not to panic, but not to ignore a new or unexplained lump either.
Having a lump investigated gives you an opportunity to establish what it is and, where necessary, receive appropriate treatment.
Risks and Benefits of Investigation and Treatment
The benefit of investigating a vulval or vaginal lump is that it allows the underlying cause to be identified rather than relying on its appearance alone.
Investigation can provide:
- Reassurance where the lump is benign
- A clear diagnosis
- Appropriate treatment where necessary
- Early identification of unusual or potentially serious conditions
- A better understanding of whether the lump requires monitoring
Some examinations can cause temporary discomfort or embarrassment, but they are an important part of assessing the area.
If a biopsy or surgical procedure is required, there may be risks such as:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain or tenderness
- Scarring
- Changes to sensation
- Recurrence of the lump
The specific risks depend on the procedure being considered.
Before recommending any treatment, Mr Abu will explain the potential benefits, risks and alternatives so that you can make an informed decision about your care.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery will depend on the cause of the lump and any treatment required.
If a benign lump does not need treatment, you may simply be advised to monitor it and return if it changes.
Following drainage of an abscess or cyst, you may experience some tenderness or discharge while the area heals. You will be given specific advice about keeping the area clean and recognising signs of infection.
If a lump is surgically removed, recovery will depend on its size, location and the extent of the procedure.
You may experience some temporary discomfort, swelling or light bleeding following treatment.
If tissue has been sent for laboratory analysis, you may need a follow-up appointment to discuss the results and whether any further treatment is required.
Specialist Care for Vulval and Vaginal Lumps
Discovering a lump in an intimate area can be difficult to discuss, and it is completely understandable to feel embarrassed or anxious about seeking help.
However, you should not feel embarrassed about having a vulval or vaginal lump assessed. These symptoms are something gynaecologists see regularly, and there are many possible causes.
At Gynae Solution, Mr Jafaru Abu will provide a discreet and thorough assessment, taking the time to listen to your concerns and explain what he finds.
Whether the lump is caused by a cyst, infection, skin condition, benign growth or another condition, the aim is to establish the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
If you have noticed a new or unexplained lump in or around the vagina or vulva, contact Gynae Solution to arrange a consultation with Mr Jafaru Abu.
Common questions
How soon can I be seen?
Daily appointments are available at The Park Hospital. Call the secretary on 0115 966 2049, or send an enquiry below and we will reply within 24 hours on business days.
Do I need a GP referral?
Referrals from GPs are welcome, and you can also enquire directly. If you are using private medical insurance, check with your insurer whether a referral is required for your policy. See GP referrals and fees and insurance.
What does a consultation cost?
A new consultation is £250 and a follow-up consultation is £150. The cost of any tests, procedures or surgery is quoted individually after your consultation. See fees and insurance.
Enquiries
Send us a message
Enquiries from patients and referring clinicians are both welcome. We endeavour to answer all enquiries within 24 hours on business days. If your case is urgent, please say so in your message or call the secretary directly.