Paraurethral Cyst in Male & Female Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

A cyst that develops in the female vaginal region near the urethra is referred to as a paraurethral cyst, also known as a Skene's gland cyst. Skene's glands are also known by other names such as Skene's ducts, periurethral glands, or paraurethral glands. 

The passage that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body is known as the urethra. It is a component of your reproductive system. Cysts are typically filled with fluid. They may or may not be symptomatic, but they occasionally contain exudate.

In assigned females at birth (AFAB), the Skene's glands are positioned on either side of the urethra. Researchers believe that these glands may produce fluid that aids in urination and helps keep the body clean.

Skene's gland cyst can be a congenital condition that can affect newborns. Some studies estimate the prevalence of these cysts at 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 7,000 infants.

Paraurethral Cyst in Male & Female

Both males and females can develop paraurethral cysts, but females are more likely to develop them.

Male urethral diverticulum or periurethral cysts are other names for paraurethral cysts in males. These lesions can develop in either the prostate gland or the periurethral glands, which are positioned along the urethra. They can cause genital enlargement, itchiness, and pain during urination.

In females, paraurethral cysts can appear either in the Skene's glands or in the Bartholin's glands, which can be found on either side of the vaginal opening. Both of these glands are positioned in close proximity to the urethra. These cysts can produce similar symptoms to those seen in men, such as pain, irritation, and difficulty urinating.

If you believe you have a paraurethral cyst, regardless of your gender, you should directly visit a physician, as early diagnosis and treatment can avert complications and alleviate symptoms.

Symptoms

Skene's glands, also known as paraurethral cysts, are located in the vaginal wall close to the urethra in females. A paraurethral cyst looks like a yellowish-white mass that is shiny, tight, and bulging. It narrows the opening of the urethra.

Typical symptoms include:

• a visible lump
• urination that is going in the wrong direction
• urethral obstruction
• painful discharge

Causes

If the gland's duct is obstructed, an adult can develop a Skene's gland cyst. Infection and inflammation are two potential factors that can lead to obstructions in the duct. A Skene's gland cyst can typically be diagnosed through a physical examination by your healthcare provider. The following are some of the reported causes of this condition:

Urethral inflammation

The most common cause of cysts in the distal urethra is an underlying condition known as transferred urethritis. In almost 50 % of patients, the involvement of gonococci in the development of the pathology was established. In other instances, activated opportunistic microflora was the cause of inflammatory changes in the openings of the skin glands.

Urethral trauma

When the paraurethral gland is removed, especially in women with hypospadias, it can lead to rough sexual activity. After an episiotomy or when tissues are compressed by the fetal head during childbirth, the duct may become blocked and a cyst may form.

Treatment

There are no proven meticulous treatment options for retention formations. Antibacterial treatment with broad-spectrum medications or agents chosen with consideration for the pathogen's sensitivity is administered when recurrent urogenital infections are present during the preoperative phase of preparation. If a lady declines surgical intervention, an antibiotic therapy regimen is also recommended as a preventive measure. Regardless of the sort of cyst, the patient might be advised:

Cyst Sclerosis

The cyst walls stop secreting and continue to grow as a result of sclerosis. Due to the high risk of relapse and complexity of the procedure for conducting additional radical operations, the procedure is currently only used in a limited capacity.

Cyst Excision

The paraurethral cyst is surgically excised at the start of the volume-reducing phase. The cystic-altered gland is entirely excised, along with the capsule and the mouth. The benefits of radical procedures include high effectiveness, a low likelihood of return, and minimal postoperative complications.