Traumatic vulvar hematoma masquerading as a bartholin duct cyst in a postmenopausal woman

Vulvar hematomas, while typically occurring following vaginal delivery, are occasionally seen in the nonpregnant patient following perineal trauma. When these, as well as any vulvar mass, are discovered in a postmenopausal woman, concern regarding a neoplasm exists.

A 66-year-old woman was found to have a large vulvar mass which was initially believed to be a Bartholin duct cyst. At surgery a vulvar hematoma was found and evacuated. Subsequent biopsy was negative for malignancy.

Any vulvar mass discovered in a postmenopausal woman warrants meticulous evaluation to exclude malignancy. Although usually occurring in younger women, a vulvar hematoma may be noted in older women who have sustained trauma to the perineum.