Mullerian Duct Cyst Female & Male Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Cysts of the vaginal wall are uncommon but may manifest as a vaginal bulge, pelvic discomfort, dyspareunia, or projecting cystic mass. It is possible that a pelvic MRI will be beneficial in detecting nonseparated homogenous vaginal cysts, which can be distinguished from a urethral diverticulum. Mullerian cysts have a cuboidal epithelial lining similar to that of the cervix and the uterus. When doing a simple removal or marsupialization, it is important to take precautions to avoid damaging the bladder or rectum.

The development of Müllerian cysts is not well understood; it is possible that some of them originate from adenomatous islands. They can be found anywhere inside the vagina. Typically less than two centimeters in diameter, they resemble mesonephric duct cysts in appearance. The distinction is determined through microscopic analysis. It is possible for Müllerian cysts to be walled by any of the epithelia that line the Müllerian duct. These epithelia include mucinous endocervical, endometrium, and ciliated tubal forms. In the majority of cases, endocervical-type cells that secrete mucin in tall columnar structures are seen, and squamous metaplasia may also be present.

What is Mullerian Duct Cyst?

Müllerian cysts are defined as tiny, midline cystic masses that are symptomless and do not need to be treated in mild forms. Patients who have cysts may have vaginal pain, irritation, a mass in the vagina, dyspareunia, vaginal discharge, or symptoms related to the urinary system. Müllerian cysts are not cancerous and have rarely been found to undergo malignant transformation.

Mullerian Duct Cyst in Female & Male

A female's vaginal wall can develop a benign, uncommon fluid-filled lesion called a vaginal mullerian cyst. A few of these cysts can grow fairly large and bothersome, but the majority of them are small and symptomless. The vaginal Mullerian cyst is the 2nd most frequent form of vaginal cyst in females. As a form of a urogenital cyst, Müllerian duct cyst is a rare genetic anomaly affecting males. The cyst is structurally developed from the Müllerian ducts and extends medially and posteriorly above the prostate gland. Occasionally, symptoms may appear, but the earliest clinical signs are often subtle.

Mullerian Duct Cyst Symptoms

Mullerian cysts are typically asymptomatic and discovered on an incidental exam, like the majority of vaginal cysts. Dyspareunia and the appearance of a palpable lump that can be felt manually or while trying to insert a tampon are two symptoms that can occur. When touched, their watery content seems gelatinous and they have a spherical, smooth, pink appearance. On physical examination, mullerian cysts, inclusion cysts, and Gartner's duct cysts are all indistinguishable from one another. Histopathology confirms the presence of a columnar epithelial lining. 

Mullerian Duct Cyst Causes

Uterine lining can sometimes develop growths known as Mullerian cysts. These cysts are mostly benign. They can happen at any age, although they are most frequently seen in women who are of childbearing age. Although they are normally benign, cancer can develop from them on rare occasions. Although the exact cause of Mullerian cysts is uncertain, it is believed that abnormal cell development in the Mullerian ducts is the primary cause of this condition. The uterus and the Fallopian tubes are formed when the Mullerian ducts join together and fuse during the development of the fetus. However, if the fusion does not take place as it should, there may be some residual tissue in the form of tiny pockets. Cysts may then form when these pockets subsequently fill with fluid. Mullerian cysts can occasionally be linked to other reproductive diseases such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Mullerian Duct Cyst Treatment

Mullerian cysts are not as frequent as other types of ovarian cysts, making up just about 5% of all ovarian cysts. They most frequently affect women between the ages of 30 and 50. Most Mullerian cysts are benign (non-cancerous). But in extremely rare instances, they can be carcinogenic (cancerous). The removal of a Mullerian cyst through surgical procedure is the standard course of treatment for the condition. In some circumstances, it can be possible to medicate the cyst. Your doctor might advise waiting to see if the cyst disappears naturally if it is small and not causing any symptoms. A Mullerian cyst may usually be surgically removed safely and effectively. But there is always a chance of complications with surgery. These could be bleeding, an infection, or harm to nearby tissues.