Vulval varices

Vulvar varices are dilated superficial veins of the external female genitalia, which are primarily seen during pregnancy and usually resolve spontaneously postpartum.

Epidemiology

Vulvar varicosities are seen in up to 4% of pregnant females in the vulvar and perivulvar region, and rarely seen in non-gravid females .

Clinical presentation

Clinically vulvar varices may present as:

• a small lump(s) in the labia majora  
• a large mass involving the perivulvar and vulvar areas

They may be confused with cysts or neoplastic lesions, especially in the region of the Bartholin glands.

Pathology

Etiology

They are seen in patients with :

• chronic pelvic pain syndrome
• pregnancy
• ovarian venous varix
• Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome
• Parkes-Weber syndrome

Treatment and prognosis

Most of the pregnancy-related vulvar and perivulvar varices subside spontaneously and may be managed conservatively. In unresolved cases, treatment options include sclerotherapy, embolization of dilated venous channels and surgical decompression .