Skene glands (periurethral or paraurethral glands) are located adjacent to the distal urethra.
Skene duct cysts form if the duct is obstructed, usually because the gland is infected. They occur mainly in adults.
Cysts may become infected, leading to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and abscesses. Rarely, Skene duct cysts (if large enough) obstruct the urethra.
Most Skene duct cysts are < 1 cm and asymptomatic. Some are larger and cause dyspareunia. The first symptoms may be similar to those of UTIs (eg, dysuria). Abscesses are painful, swollen, tender, and erythematous but usually do not cause fever.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Key Points
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Skene duct cysts form if the duct is obstructed, usually because the gland is infected.
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Cysts may form abscesses and/or cause recurrent UTIs.
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Most are small and asymptomatic; large cysts may cause dyspareunia.
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Diagnose Skene duct cysts by physical examination and, if needed, by ultrasonography or cystoscopy.
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Excise or marsupialize symptomatic cysts, and treat abscesses with broad-spectrum antibiotics and excision or marsupialization.
