Understanding Vulvar Endometriomas: Symptoms & Treatment

A vulvar endometrioma is a rare, painful cyst that occurs as a result of endometrium implanting in the vulva or vagina as in endometriosis.¹

This type of endometriosis that appears in or on the vagina or vulva results in a cyst – endometrioma – most often at the same spot where a previous wound was – episiotomy, tears.^2,3 The cause is unknown.

Symptoms of vulvar endometrioma

Pain
Painful sex (dyspareunia)
Worse pain during periods
Cysts grow during periods
Tender cysts
Cysts may appear blue
May rupture, causing severe pain

Treatments for vulvar endometrioma

Treatment involves surgical excision of the cysts, which may be done in a doctor’s office or operating theatre.⁴ The tissue will be tested to ensure it is not a vulvar or vaginal melanoma, which can occur in the vulva and vagina.

References

1.
Ning Y, Ling R, Zhang F, Zhang G, Zhang H. Common and uncommon lesions of the vulva and vagina on magnetic resonance imaging: correlations with pathological findings. BJR|Open. Published online August 2023. doi:10.1259/bjro.20230002
2.
Wallace E, Marin S, Elkattah R. Vulvar endometriosis in the setting of a traumatic neuroma. Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders. Published online March 2019:49-51. doi:10.1177/2284026519828909
3.
Tokmak A. Vulvar Haematoma Following Laparoscopic Endometrioma Excision: Report of A Rare Complication. JCDR. Published online 2015. doi:10.7860/jcdr/2015/15989.6767
4.
Turan V, Ergenoglu M, Yeniel O, Emiroglu G, Ulukus M, Zekioglu O. Vulvar Endometrioma: A Case Report. J Nepal Med Assoc. Published online June 30, 2011. doi:10.31729/jnma.250