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Bartholin abscess — DRCOG MCQ

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ModerateGynaecologyBartholin abscessDRCOG

A 26-year-old woman presents with a painful swelling at the left posterior introitus. She is febrile and finds sitting difficult. Examination shows a tender fluctuant 4 cm mass at the Bartholin gland site. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: E — Bartholin abscess

A painful fluctuant swelling at the Bartholin gland site with fever is most consistent with a Bartholin abscess. A simple Bartholin cyst is usually less painful and not associated with systemic features. The pearl is that abscess management usually requires drainage rather than topical treatment alone.

Reference: NICE CKS Bartholin's cyst and abscess; BNF