It is a small, benign bump that forms on the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vaginal canal. Nabothian cysts are harmless and usually don't cause any symptoms or complications. They are often found in pregnant women and women of childbearing age. They are filled with mucus produced by glands in the cervix.
A Nabothian cyst occurs when the skin cells that cover the mucus-producing glands in the cervix block the glands. This can happen because:
Following childbirth, the skin cells in the cervix grow faster, covering the glands and trapping mucus.
Inflammation or injury: The cells in the cervix multiply to heal any damage caused by trauma, infection, or chronic cervicitis (cervicitis of the cervix) and can block the glands.
The skin cells in the cervix change during the menstrual cycle and during menopause, sometimes covering the glands and causing cysts.
They appear as smooth, white or yellow bumps on the cervix, ranging in size from a few millimeters to 4 centimeters. Sometimes they can cause:
Vaginal fullness or pressure
During sexual contact, there is pain
Symptoms include vaginal discharge with a foul odor if the cyst bursts
The following tests can be used to diagnose Nabothian cysts:
With a speculum to open the vagina and a light to examine the cervix, the doctor can see cysts on the cervix.
Doctors can use ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans to visualize the cysts and rule out other conditions that may affect the cervix.
In most cases, Nabothian cysts do not require treatment because they are harmless and do not interfere with the normal functioning of the cervix. Your doctor may recommend treatment if the cysts are:
Several or large cysts can be removed using a needle to drain mucus, or by using a scalpel, laser, or electricity to cut or burn them off. This can improve visibility during exams and tests, and reduce the chance of infection or bleeding.
Symptoms: The doctor may prescribe pain relievers, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory drugs to ease discomfort, infection, or inflammation caused by cysts.
As a normal and common occurrence in the cervix, Nabothian cysts cannot be prevented; however, they can be detected early by:
The doctor can check the cervix for cysts and abnormalities and monitor their size and number over time with regular pelvic exams.
Genetic testing: The doctor can test for a rare condition called adenoma malignant, which causes similar cysts in the cervix, but has a higher risk of cancer.
