My doctor diagnosed a cyst within a gland -- not the Bartholin -- in the area near my clitoris. What he said sounded like "sheel gland." I have been unable to find any information on this gland or its function. I hope you can tell me what gland this might be and why a cyst would form here.

--Kathie

Your doctor was probably referring to Skene's glands, which run parallel to the urethra (where urine comes out). Skene's glands in women are analogous to the prostate in men.

Cysts can form in any gland if the gland opening is blocked. In general, if you are not having any pain, and if the gland is not infected, we usually do not do anything about it. If you are having pain or if there is infection, then we can incise, or open, the blockage, allowing the gland to drain properly again.