Table of Contents
What is the vulva anatomy?
The vulva is the global term that describes all of the structures that make the female external genitalia. The components of the vulva are the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibular bulbs, vulva vestibule, Bartholin’s glands, Skene’s glands, urethra, and vaginal opening.
What organs are part of the vulva?
The vulva consists of the following organs: mons pubis, labia minora and majora, hymen, clitoris, vestibule, urethra, Skene glands, greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands, and vestibular bulbs. The boundaries include the mons pubis anteriorly, the rectum posteriorly, and the genitocrural folds (thigh folds) laterally.
What are the three parts of the vulva?
Body System: Reproductive – Female
- Vulva – the outside parts of the female reproductive system.
- Mons – the fatty pad of skin over the pubic bone.
- Clitoris – a small, round knob of tissue located on the upper part of the vulva that has thousands of nerve endings.
- Labia – the folds of skin on each side of the vagina.
What does a vulva lesion look like?
A vulvar tumor can look like anything that includes: White, pink, or a red-colored rough or thick lump or bump. Thickened skin. Lightened or darkened skin. Persisting open sore (lasts for more than one month)
What are vulvar disorders?
Vulvar disease is an abnormality or pathological condition that affects a part or all of the vulva. Some of the common infections may include folliculitis, contact dermatitis, and vulvodynia, among others.
Can vulvar lesions be benign?
Common benign tumors of the vulva include the Bartholin gland cyst or abscess, epidermoid inclusion cysts, and angiomas. Many benign vulvar tumors are asymptomatic and are found only on self-examination. Depending on the type of lesion, most do not require excisional treatment.
What causes benign vulvar lesions?
Non-cancerous vulvar cysts are caused by a blockage of the ducts or glands in the vulva area. Bartholin cysts are the most common type of vulvar cyst.
What causes vulvar inflammation?
Infections, allergies, irritants and injuries can all cause inflammation in your vulva. Any of the following can cause vulvitis: Dyed or perfumed toilet paper. Pads, pantyliners or tampons that are scented or contain harsh ingredients.
Are vulvar lesions normal?
Skin lesions are mainly typical of those found elsewhere on the body, and are found on the outer aspects of the vulva, the labia majora, extending to the groin. They include benign (harmless) and malignant (cancerous) tumours. They are often classified according to cell of origin. Viral infections may mimic lesions.
Are most vulvar lesions benign?
Although most cases of vaginal lesions are benign, it’s important to follow up with your doctor.
Can vulvar tumors be benign?
What can be mistaken for vulvodynia?
Many cases of generalized vulvodynia and localized vulvodynia (vestibulodynia) are mistakenly attributed to yeast infection, pudendal neuralgia, and other entities. Avoid those pitfalls by using a reliable roadmap for evaluation, differentiation, and identification of the various forms of vulvar pain.
Do gynecologists treat vulvodynia?
Your gynecologist may use a cotton swab to touch areas of the vulva. The goal is to find where the pain is and whether it is mild, moderate, or severe. You also may have a biopsy of the vulvar skin.
What is vulvar lesion on CT scan?
On CT scans, the vulva is a triangular soft tissue structure, and anatomic definition is limited even with use of an IV contrast agent. The MRI sequences generally used for vulvar lesions are T1-weighted, T2-weighted, fat-suppressed T1-weighted, and contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted imaging.
How is a CT scan of the vagina performed?
Axial CT through the vagina with a pessary (white arrow) expanding the vaginal canal, located between the urethra (black arrowhead) and rectum (black arrow). Image courtesy of Dr. Timothy McClure Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI is the ideal imaging modality for the vagina due to its superb soft tissue resolution.
Which imaging modality is best for the evaluation of vulvar anatomy?
The best imaging modality for evaluation of vulvar anatomy is MRI because of excellent soft-tissue contrast [ 3, 14 ]. On CT scans, the vulva is a triangular soft tissue structure, and anatomic definition is limited even with use of an IV contrast agent.
How can CTCT help in Vulvar infections?
CT can play a defining role and guide the surgical approach for vulvar infections, in particular to delineate the location of an abscess, help assess tissue planes, and help in evaluation for osteomyelitis (Fig 10)