Gartner’s cysts are cysts that can occur in the internal urogenital tract of both sexes. They are derived from either of the ducts: the Wolffian ducts (mesonephric) or the Müllerian ducts (paramesonephric).
In women, as of the eighth week of embryologic development, the paired Müllerian ducts fuse up and form the uterus, cervix, and the upper vagina. Added to this development, the Wolffian ducts regress and disappear.
If the ducts persist in a vestigial form, they give rise to Gartner’s cysts. Hence, these cysts are found mainly in the right front wall of the vagina and lesser commonly in the side walls of the uterus.
These cysts can also be seen along with other urogenital abnormalities, such as changes in the urinary system like ectopic ureter or kidney hypoplasia.
What is the difference between Gartner’s Cyst and Bartholin’s Cyst ?
True Gartner’s duct cysts are typically located along the front wall of the vagina. In contrast, Bartholin’s cysts are located in the back wall of the lower part of the vagina and seen in the labia majora.
What are the clinical symptoms of Gartner’s cysts ?
The diagnosis most of the times is made incidentally during routine pelvic examination and most lesions are asymptomatic.
What are the diagnostic tests for Gartner’s cysts ?
- Transvaginal Ultrasound: This is the test of choice for diagnostic confirmation.
- Urinary Tract Imaging Tests: Ultrasound and MRIs help in imaging the urinary tract.
- Intravenous Pyelography and Computed Tomography are examinations that can be done, in addition to the ones mentioned above.
What is the treatment for Gartner’s cysts ?
Treatment depends on both the symptoms and desire of the patient.
Asymptomatic cases can be only observed clinically. In this kind of situation, surgery is not generally performed because this type of surgery is complex and is not done unless the patient has severe type of symptoms.
If patient is symptomatic, the initial procedure involves cyst drainage, injection, or aspiration, or the use of antibiotics into the cyst.
In large, symptomatic or recurrent cysts, either excision(complete removal, once in for all) or marsupialization (shrinking the cyst cavity bit by bit) is indicated.
Cyst marsupialization is a simple, minimal invasive procedure, which creates very less surgical scarring and helps in diagnosis of a Gartner duct cyst.
What is the follow-up for Gartner’s cysts ?
Long-term follow-up include either periodic surveillance, sclerotherapy, and continuing marsupialization. However, in older patients, a biopsy is recommended to exclude cancer though malignant transformation of Gartner’s cysts is exceedingly rare.
How to find gynecologists for the treatment of Gartner’s cysts ?
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Find and choose a gynecologist for the treatment of Gartner’s cysts on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
