The short answer
A vulvar lump can represent more than one kind of problem: a blocked gland, a cyst, follicular inflammation, an abscess, or another skin or soft-tissue lesion. 1 2 3 Location, tenderness, drainage, duration, age, and examination matter. A photo or the word “boil” is not enough to identify the diagnosis.
Bartholin cysts are one location-specific example
The Bartholin glands sit near the vaginal opening. When a duct is blocked, a cyst can form; if infection develops, the area can become painful and abscess-like. 1 2 3 That anatomy is useful, but not every lump near the vulva is a Bartholin cyst.
If a lump becomes increasingly painful, swells rapidly, or is accompanied by fever or chills, seek prompt medical care for evaluation and relief. 2 3
Hair-bearing skin can develop follicular bumps
ACOG notes that folliculitis can occur on the labia majora. 1 Friction, shaving, occlusion, or inflammation can contribute to bumps in hair-bearing skin, but the appearance can overlap with other lesions.
If a bump repeatedly follows shaving, see vulvar itching after shaving. Persistent or unusual lesions should not be forced into a folliculitis label simply because hair is present.
Do not squeeze, cut, or drain an unidentified vulvar lump at home
A lesion that is actually a cyst, abscess, inflamed follicle, ulcerated lesion, or another condition can require different management. Do not squeeze, lance, puncture, drain, or apply caustic remedies to an unidentified vulvar lump at home.
A new or persistent lump is better handled as an examination problem than as a home-procedure problem. 1 2 3
Common causes of vulvar lumps
Some infections and neoplastic conditions can produce vulvar lesions, but the existence of a lump does not establish either conclusion. The safe next step depends on the lesion’s location, duration, age context, associated symptoms, and examination.
For sores or ulcer-like lesions, see vaginal or vulvar itching with sores. For broader visible change, see vulvar color or texture changes with itching.
When examination becomes more important
Arrange evaluation when a lump is new and unexplained, persists, enlarges, becomes very painful, drains pus, is accompanied by fever, recurs, or develops surface ulceration or bleeding. 1 2 3 The goal is not to assign a frightening diagnosis; it is to stop relying on visual guessing when the lesion itself needs assessment.
What should you take away?
“Lump,” “cyst,” and “boil” are descriptions, not interchangeable diagnoses. Bartholin cysts and follicular lesions are common examples, but a persistent or changing vulvar lump deserves examination. Do not turn an uncertain lesion into a home-drainage procedure or an automatic STI/cancer conclusion.
What are the limits of this information?
Use this information to understand the topic and prepare for next steps. Having a clinician examine any new or painful vulvar lump provides peace of mind and helps guide safe, appropriate treatment. See the medical information disclaimer.
Sources
- ACOG: Disorders of the Vulva. Evidence reviewed 2026-09-14. Folliculitis, Bartholin cysts and vulvar examination context.
- MedlinePlus: Bartholin cyst or abscess. Evidence reviewed 2026-09-14. Bartholin cyst/abscess symptoms, pain/fever and clinical evaluation.
- NHS: Bartholin’s cyst. Evidence reviewed 2026-09-14. Consumer lump description and recommendation to have a new lump checked.