Differential Diagnosis for Non-STD Vulvar Bumps
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Vulvar cysts or Bartholin's cysts: These are common, benign conditions that can cause bumps on the vulva. They often result from obstructed Bartholin's glands and can become infected, leading to abscess formation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Folliculitis: An inflammation of the hair follicles, which can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections, leading to bumps on the vulva.
- Keratosis pilaris: A harmless condition that causes small, rough bumps on the skin, including the vulva, due to excess keratin.
- Vulvar acne: Similar to acne on other parts of the body, vulvar acne can cause bumps and pimples due to clogged pores and bacterial infection.
- Molluscum contagiosum: A viral infection that causes small, pearly, or flesh-colored bumps on the skin, including the vulva.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that can present as a bump or ulcer on the vulva. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Melanoma: Although rare on the vulva, melanoma can present as a new or changing mole and is potentially life-threatening if not diagnosed early.
- Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN): Precancerous changes in the skin of the vulva that can appear as bumps or lesions and have the potential to develop into cancer if left untreated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Hidradenitis suppurativa: A chronic skin condition that can cause painful bumps and abscesses in the vulvar area, among other places.
- Vulvar syringoma: A rare, benign condition characterized by small, firm bumps on the vulva due to abnormal sweat gland development.
- Neurofibromas: Benign tumors of the nerve tissue that can appear as bumps on the vulva in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).