Terminology for Bartholin Gland Infections
The correct terminology is "Bartholin gland abscess" (or "Bartholin's gland abscess"), not "Bartholin duct abscess." 1, 2, 3
Anatomical Basis for Terminology
The distinction matters because it reflects the actual pathophysiology:
- Bartholin glands are pea-sized glands located bilaterally at the posterior introitus at approximately the 4 and 8 o'clock positions 1, 2
- These glands drain through Bartholin ducts that empty into the vestibule 2
- When the duct becomes obstructed, two distinct entities can develop:
Clinical Distinction
The terminology reflects different clinical entities:
- Bartholin duct cysts are often asymptomatic, non-infected, and may resolve spontaneously without intervention 3
- Bartholin gland abscesses represent infected collections that present with swelling, erythema, and tenderness extending into the labia minora, and typically require drainage when larger than 2 cm 1, 3
Standard Medical Usage
The medical literature consistently uses "Bartholin gland abscess" when referring to the infected state:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines specifically describe infection of the Bartholin glands (not ducts) presenting with swelling, erythema, and tenderness 1
- Multiple clinical studies and management guidelines uniformly refer to "Bartholin's gland abscess" as the standard terminology 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- The term "Bartholin duct cyst" is reserved specifically for the non-infected cystic dilation of the duct 2, 3
Common Pitfall
Do not use "Bartholin duct abscess" interchangeably with "Bartholin gland abscess"—the duct obstruction is the initiating event, but the abscess forms in the gland tissue itself, not within the duct 2, 3