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What Causes Lump On My Outer Labia?

Posted on Wed, 16 Apr 2014

Question: HI I found a pea sized lump on my outer labia about 3 weeks ago. I visited my local sexual health clinic who suggested it may be a sebcaceous cyst. Since my visit it popped itself and I have been left with a small red lump with a very small opening for over a week. Is this normal? Is there any chance this could be syphilis?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer: NOT LIKELY TO BE SYPHILIS, PLS UPLOAD PIC Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. Can you please upload the picture, so that I can have a better opinion. If your health care provider suggested it could be a sebaceous cyst, chances are very remote that it could be syphilis. The uploaded picture will give a better idea. Generally, syphilis does not start off as a lump, but as a sore. Also, if the provider was suspicious, a blood test or culture of the lesion would confirm syphilis. So dont worry ( have you had any specific exposure , since you are so worried ) ? Please upload the picture anyways. All the best Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (8 minutes later)

I have uploaded a photo for you. Is that any use as to what it may be?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer: NOT SYPHILIS. Detailed Answer: It is too small, barely there now. It appears to be a healing sebaceous cyst that ruptured on its own. When it ruptured ( popped ), did you have whitish material extruding out ?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (59 minutes later)

No it was clear i think. I didnt notice it pop. I have just noticed a sore cut near my anus. I have shaved today so it could have been from that or do you think this could be related?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: PIC PLEASE. Detailed Answer: It could be from the shaving. Again, I need a picture to comment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 hours later)

I have attached a photo for you. What do you think?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: AS BELOW Detailed Answer: It looks like a cut from the shaving. However 2 painless sores need investigating. Have you had any suspicious exposure ? If yes, get yourself tested for syphilis specifically. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (47 minutes later)

The second sore stings. Does this mean that its not a worry.?I have been with my girlfriend for 7 months. also - what is the detection window for syphilis in a blood sample? I have read it isnt detectable for 90days after exposure is this correct? Is syphilis still quite rare? especially among the lesbian community? I have read it is more common for XXXXXXX .

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: AS BELOW Detailed Answer: If it stings, its less likely to be syphilis. The detection window is within 1 - 3 weeks, but yes, a repeat testing after 90 days is required. Syphilis is not all that rare. The prevalence is more among homosexual men, but then, it is not zero amongst lesbians, so get yourself tested. Since the sore is still there, you can circumvent the blood work, and go for direct microscopy from the sore. That will be most confirmative.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar