Differential Diagnosis for Draining Lumps on Labia
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Bartholin's cyst or abscess: This is the most common cause of a draining lump on the labia, resulting from an obstruction of the Bartholin's gland duct, leading to infection and abscess formation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Furuncle or carbuncle: A bacterial infection of the hair follicle, which can cause a painful, draining lump on the labia.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa: A chronic skin condition characterized by recurrent, painful abscesses and nodules in the apocrine-gland-bearing areas, such as the labia.
- Infected epidermal inclusion cyst: A benign cyst that can become infected, leading to a draining lump on the labia.
- Genital herpes: A viral infection that can cause painful, draining lesions on the labia.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Malignancy (e.g., vulvar cancer): Although rare, a draining lump on the labia can be a sign of an underlying malignancy, which would be catastrophic if missed.
- Tuberculosis: A rare cause of a draining lump on the labia, but important to consider in patients with risk factors for TB.
- Actinomycosis: A rare bacterial infection that can cause a draining lump on the labia, often associated with the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Rare Diagnoses
- Lymphogranuloma venereum: A rare sexually transmitted infection that can cause a draining lump on the labia.
- Granuloma inguinale: A rare bacterial infection that can cause a draining lump on the labia.
- Crohn's disease or hidradenitis suppurativa-like lesions: Rare conditions that can cause draining lumps on the labia, often associated with other systemic symptoms.