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Nabothian cyst

 

A nabothian cyst is a mucus-filled lump on the surface of the cervix.

The cervix is located at the lower end of the womb (uterus) at the top of the vagina. It is about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) long.

Causes

The cervix is lined with glands and cells that release mucus. The glands can become covered by a type of skin cells called squamous epithelium. When this happens, the secretions build up in the plugged glands. They form a smooth, rounded bump on the cervix . The bump is called a nabothian cyst.

Symptoms

 

Each nabothian cyst appears as a small, white raised bump. There can be more than one.

 

Exams and Tests

 

During a pelvic exam, the health care provider will see a small, smooth, rounded lump (or collection of lumps) on the surface of the cervix. Rarely, magnifying the area (colposcopy) may be needed to tell these cysts from other bumps that can occur.

Sometimes the cyst is opened to confirm the diagnosis.

 

Treatment

 

No treatment is necessary. Nabothian cysts do not cause any problems.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Nabothian cysts do not cause any harm. They are a benign condition.

 

Possible Complications

 

The presence of many cysts or cysts that are large and blocked can make it hard for the health care provider to do a Pap test . This is rare.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Most of the time, this condition is found during a routine pelvic exam.

 

Prevention

 

There is no known prevention.

 

 

Open References

References

Choby BA. Cervical polyps. In: Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC, eds. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 135.

Lentz GM. History, physical examination, and preventive health care. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 7.

 
  • Nabothian cyst

    Nabothian cyst - illustration

    The cervix is lined with glands that normally secrete mucus. These endocervical glands can become filled with secretions that accumulate as a pimple-like elevation called Nabothian cysts. These cysts are not a threat to health and no treatment is necessary.

    Nabothian cyst

    illustration

    • Nabothian cyst

      Nabothian cyst - illustration

      The cervix is lined with glands that normally secrete mucus. These endocervical glands can become filled with secretions that accumulate as a pimple-like elevation called Nabothian cysts. These cysts are not a threat to health and no treatment is necessary.

      Nabothian cyst

      illustration

    Tests for Nabothian cyst

     
       

      Review Date: 11/5/2015

      Reviewed By: Cynthia D. White, MD, Fellow American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Group Health Cooperative, Bellevue, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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