Very large labial swelling requiring surgical intervention

A woman in her late 30s presented with a large left-sided labial swelling at a tertiary maternity and gynaecology hospital. The swelling had been present for more than 10 years, and had previously been incised twice and partially excised once. The labial swelling had caused great discomfort as it increased in size and had a significant impact on her quality of life. Definitive surgical excision in the theatre was planned for the following week. Careful excision of the cystic structure removing the entire lesion intact was done using a mixture of blunt and sharp dissection. Subcutaneous layers were closed, excess skin was removed and a continuous non-locking suture closed the skin. The histology returned confirming a benign epithelial inclusion cyst. At a 6-week-interval postoperative follow-up, the patient reported excellent healing. A simple surgical intervention had a conclusive and positive impact on her quality of life.