Women's health
Vulval lumps
Most vulval lumps are benign, cysts, blocked glands, warts, ingrown hairs, but any new, persistent, growing or ulcerated lump needs examination, particularly after menopause, because early vulval cancer is very treatable.
Key points
The essentials at a glance.
What to look out for, who treats it, and what usually happens next.
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Common benign causes: Bartholin's cysts, sebaceous cysts, ingrown hairs and folliculitis, skin tags, genital warts and varicose veins of the vulva
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A painful, hot, rapidly enlarging lump suggests an abscess and needs same-day treatment
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Genital warts are caused by HPV and are treatable; a first episode is worth a sexual health screen
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See a doctor about any lump that persists beyond a few weeks, grows, bleeds, ulcerates or itches persistently
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In postmenopausal women, persistent lumps or raised patches are biopsied to exclude vulval cancer, which has excellent outcomes when caught early
Understanding it
About Vulval lumps.
The vulva contains hair follicles, sweat and lubricating glands, fat and skin, all of which can generate lumps: blocked follicles and glands form cysts and boils, HPV causes warts, delivery and pregnancy can leave varicosities, and skin tags are common. The overwhelming majority are harmless, but the vulva is also skin that can develop pre-cancerous change (VIN) and cancer, typically presenting as a persistent lump, ulcer or raised patch that itches or bleeds.
Assessment is a straightforward examination, with swabs or biopsy where infection or skin change needs confirming. Treatment ranges from none (for harmless cysts) through drainage, wart treatments and minor surgery, and where biopsy shows pre-cancerous change, treating at that stage prevents progression. In the UK you can start with your GP: on the NHS, a routine referral to a specialist clinic often means waiting 20–45 weeks or more to be seen, while a private consultant will typically see you within around two weeks, with any tests arranged soon after.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Vulval lumps.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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What causes vulval lumps?
Common causes include Bartholin's cysts, sebaceous cysts, genital warts (from HPV infection), and, less commonly, other benign growths or, rarely, vulval cancer.
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What do vulval lumps usually feel like?
This varies by cause: a Bartholin's cyst often feels like a smooth, sometimes tender swelling near the vaginal opening, while genital warts tend to be small, rough or cauliflower-like growths.
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Are vulval lumps dangerous?
Most vulval lumps have a benign cause, but any new, persistent, growing or unusual lump should be assessed to rule out less common but more serious causes.
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Can vulval lumps be treated?
Yes, treatment depends entirely on the cause: cysts can sometimes be drained or surgically removed if problematic, warts can be treated with topical treatments or minor procedures, and any concerning lumps are investigated and treated according to what's found.
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How are vulval lumps investigated?
Assessment typically involves a clinical examination, and sometimes a swab or biopsy, to identify the specific cause of the lump.
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How long does treatment take to resolve a vulval lump?
This depends on the cause: a Bartholin's cyst may resolve with simple measures within days to weeks, while warts can take weeks to months of treatment to fully clear.
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Bartholin's cyst vs genital warts - what's the difference?
A Bartholin's cyst is a fluid-filled swelling from a blocked gland near the vaginal opening, usually smooth and sometimes painful, while genital warts are small, often multiple, rough growths caused by HPV infection; examination usually distinguishes clearly between the two.
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When should I see a doctor about a vulval lump, and how quickly can I be seen privately?
See a doctor for any new or persistent vulval lump. NHS gynaecology waits can be lengthy for non-urgent cases; private gynaecologists can often see you within about one to two weeks.