Nabothian Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Nabothian Cyst?
A gynecologist, a doctor who treats the female reproductive system, usually checks for a Nabothian cyst. A Nabothian cyst is a lump filled with mucus on the surface of the cervix or cervical canal. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a Nabothian cyst?
The cervix is at the lower end of the womb (uterus), at the top of the vagina. A Nabothian cyst is a common and benign condition in women of reproductive age. Benign means it is not cancer.
Nabothian cysts are also called mucinous retention cysts or epithelial cysts. They typically do not cause complications or need treatment.
Symptoms
People with a Nabothian cyst are often free of symptoms. The cysts are usually found by chance during a routine pelvic exam or cervical screening.
Each cyst looks like a small, white raised bump. There can be more than one. The cysts are usually only a few millimeters wide, but they can grow to 4 cm or larger.
A large or complex cyst can sometimes cause symptoms. These can include pain during sex, pelvic pain, irregular vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge.
A cyst that presses on nearby organs may cause trouble emptying the bladder and lower belly pain.
Causes and who gets it
The cervix is lined with glands and cells that release mucus. The glands can become covered by skin-like cells called squamous epithelium. When this happens, the secretions, or fluids made by the glands, build up in the plugged glands. They form a smooth, rounded bump on the cervix.
The covering can form while the cervix heals from chronic cervicitis, childbirth, trauma, or surgical procedures such as cervical cauterization or cryotherapy. Chronic cervicitis means long-lasting swelling of the cervix.
Nabothian cysts are seen more often in women who have given birth more than once. Doctors generally consider them a normal change rather than a disease.
They have no known link to cancer or major long-term health problems. There is no known way to prevent them.
How doctors diagnose it
During a pelvic exam, your health care provider will see a small, smooth, rounded lump on the surface of the cervix. No other tests are needed in most cases.
Rarely, a doctor needs to magnify the area (colposcopy) to tell these cysts from other bumps. Sometimes the cyst is opened to confirm the diagnosis.
A vaginal ultrasound or an MRI can be used to look at deeper cysts and to rule out other problems of the cervix or uterus. An MRI is a scan that takes detailed pictures inside the body.
Some cancers, such as adenoma malignum, can look like Nabothian cysts. If cancer is suspected and an MRI cannot rule it out, a biopsy can be used. A biopsy means testing a small piece of tissue.
Many cysts, or large cysts that are blocked, can make a Pap test hard to do. This is rare.
Treatment
Nabothian cysts typically need no treatment if they cause no symptoms and are not a cancer concern.
Treatment is advised if a cyst causes symptoms, especially pain, or if cancer cannot be ruled out. Treatment mostly means draining the cyst. One concern with surgery is scar tissue, which may lead to future pain.
If the diagnosis is still unclear, or the cysts are large or deep and cause symptoms, the cyst may need to be removed to rule out other cervical tumors.
Nabothian cysts do not increase the risk of cervical cancer, so routine checks during gynecological exams are generally enough.
Follow your doctor's instructions about any treatment.
When to see a doctor
Most of the time, a Nabothian cyst is found during a routine pelvic exam. Routine gynecological exams, including Pap smears and pelvic exams, help doctors watch cervical health and tell harmless cysts from other problems.
A cyst that causes symptoms, especially pain, may need treatment. Tell your doctor if you have pelvic pain, pain during sex, irregular vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can review your symptoms and follow your overall health at regular visits. They can refer you to a gynecologist when needed.
Common questions
Is a Nabothian cyst dangerous?
No, Nabothian cysts are benign and typically do not cause complications.
Can a Nabothian cyst turn into cancer?
No, Nabothian cysts have no known link to cancer. Some cancers can look like them, so doctors may use a vaginal ultrasound, MRI, colposcopy or biopsy when the cause is unclear.
Does a Nabothian cyst need to be removed?
No, a Nabothian cyst usually does not need treatment. A doctor may recommend treatment if it causes symptoms, especially pain, or if cancer cannot be ruled out.
Can I prevent Nabothian cysts?
No, there is no known way to prevent Nabothian cysts. Routine pelvic exams let doctors check the cysts over time.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
