What if bartholin cyst marsupialisation does not relieve vulval lump?

Swelling and tenderness can persist while the incision heals, and the opening may not be draining freely. A recurrent cyst or abscess is another possibility. The lump may also be a different vulval lesion. Its position, size, firmness, pain, redness, discharge and change over time help guide examination. A new, hard, fixed or persistent lump deserves direct assessment.

Contact the operating team or a gynaecology clinic. Explain when the procedure took place, whether the lump ever became smaller, and whether a catheter or opening is still present. Keep the area clean and dry, follow wound-care instructions, and avoid squeezing or puncturing it. Further drainage, another procedure or another investigation depends on the findings.

Seek urgent care for rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, chills, heavy bleeding, difficulty passing urine or feeling faint. Prompt assessment is also needed if the lump repeatedly returns or does not fit the expected healing pattern. Do not wait for a scheduled check when symptoms worsen.

Ask whether the lump looks like healing tissue, a blocked opening, recurrent infection or another lesion. Clarify whether an examination or sample is needed, how to manage discomfort, when normal activity and sex can resume, and which changes require immediate attention.