Gartner's Duct Cyst: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

A Gartner’s duct cyst is a rare type of vaginal lump that can develop due to a malformation during fetal development. It may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort in the vaginal area.

During pregnancy, the developing fetus has a structure called the Gartner’s duct, which helps form the urinary and reproductive systems. Normally, this duct disappears after birth, but in some cases, it remains and collects fluid, forming a vaginal cyst that may not cause symptoms until adulthood.

Although a Gartner’s duct cyst is not usually serious and is often monitored by a pediatrician or gynecologist, a minor surgical procedure may be needed if the cyst continues to grow or causes discomfort.

Main symptoms

The most common symptoms of a Gartner’s duct cyst include:

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Discomfort in the vaginal area

• A lump in the genital region

• Abdominal pain

• Fecal or urinary incontinence, when the cyst becomes large enough to press on nearby structures

In most cases, a Gartner’s duct cyst does not cause symptoms, especially when it is smaller than 2 cm. However, as fluid builds up inside, the cyst may enlarge over time and lead to symptoms.

In children, this type of cyst usually doesn’t cause any noticeable signs, but parents may sometimes see a small lump in the genital area of their daughter. When this happens, they should consult a pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and start appropriate treatment.

Confirming a diagnosis

A Gartner’s duct cyst is usually diagnosed by a gynecologist during a routine pelvic exam.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may order imaging tests such as:

• Pelvic ultrasound

• CT scan

• MRI

These tests help rule out other possible causes of vaginal cysts, such as Bartholin’s cysts or urethral diverticula. The doctor may also request tests to check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

In addition, a biopsy may be recommended to rule out vaginal cancer and confirm that the cyst is benign.

Is a Gartner’s duct cyst cancer?

A Gartner’s duct cyst is almost always benign. However, in very rare cases, signs of malignancy have been reported. In these situations, surgical removal of the cyst is recommended so that a biopsy can be performed to confirm whether it is benign or malignant.

Treatment options

Treatment for a Gartner’s duct cyst can sometimes be performed shortly after birth through fluid aspiration or minor surgery to completely remove the cyst.

When the cyst is diagnosed in adulthood, the gynecologist may choose to simply monitor its growth and symptoms over time.

Treatment is generally recommended if the cyst causes discomfort, urinary incontinence, or recurrent urinary tract infections. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there are signs of infection and recommend surgery to remove the cyst.