A mucocele of the vulva is a simple cyst filled with mucin located within the vulvar vestibule. These cysts often involve the Bartholin glands that exist bilaterally at the vulvar vestibule. Other areas that could be involved include the Skene glands or the mesonephric ducts.

Mucoceles develop due to blockage of the gland ducts with a subsequent backlog of secretions that become walled off as a cyst.

These are usually asymptomatic, but they can be painful if infected. Large lesions can partially block urethral meatus, causing urinary retention or difficulty voiding. If symptomatic, patients will complain of discomfort with movement, sitting, and/or intercourse.