Everything You Should Know About Nabothian Cysts

If you have been diagnosed with nabothian cysts, there is no reason to panic. Nabothian cysts and benign and usually don't cause any trouble. However, they can complicate some tests and pelvic exams if they grow too large. In this article, we will tell you everything you should know about nabothian cysts.

Nabothian cysts, also known as cervical cysts, mucinous retention cysts, or epithelial cysts, are small sacs that develop on the cervix. They are filled with mucus that is produced by the cervical glands. Nabothian cysts look like small white bumps. These cysts are extremely common but they usually don't cause any discomfort. That's why many women don't know that they have these cysts.

Nabothian cysts develop when the mucous glands of the cervix become coated with skin cells and become closed. Due to the fact that skin cells clog the glands, it leads to the accumulation of mucus. This accumulation contributes to the development of nabothian cysts on the cervix.

Women who have delivered a child or have had physical trauma to the cervix can have nabothian cysts. During labor, excess skin cells can grow on the mucous gland and hold mucus that leads to the development of cysts.

Physical injury to the cervix can lead to the formation of excess tissue on the mucous glands during the healing process and trapping mucus, which can also cause these cysts to form. Nabothian cysts can also occur during recovery from chronic cervicitis that causes inflammation of the cervical tissue.

Nabothian cysts can vary in size from a poppy seed to a grape size. These cysts are smooth and can be white or yellow. Nabothian cysts usually don't cause pain, discomfort, or other symptoms. Your gynecologist may notice them during a routine pelvic exam or while examining your cervix for other conditions.

Women of childbearing age are more likely to develop nabothian cysts. You may also be more prone to nabothian cysts if you have malignant adenoma. This condition is a type of neoplasia that affects the production of mucus in the cervix. It leads to the development of cysts that are often identical to nabothian cysts.

Nabothian cysts usually don't cause any symptoms. This means that they are often found during routine exams or while diagnosing other gynecological disorders. Sometimes they can be seen on pelvic ultrasound, MRI, or computed tomography of the cervix. Your doctor may break a cyst to confirm the diagnosis.

Nabothian cysts can also be diagnosed during colposcopy. This procedure is used to magnify the area to distinguish nabothian cysts from other types of bumps. As mentioned above, adenoma malignum can also cause similar-looking cysts so it is essential to get a correct diagnosis.

Due to the fact that nabothian cysts are benign and don't cause any severe symptoms, they can be left untreated. However, if a cyst is too large, it can interfere with the Pap test and other cervical examinations. In this case, it is better to treat nabothian cysts. Otherwise, it can be difficult to examine your cervix and treat certain conditions in time.

Nabothian cysts can be removed by excision, electrocautery ablation, or cryotherapy. During excision, your doctor uses a scalpel or blade to remove the build-up. Electrocautery ablation is a procedure during which a doctor uses an electric current to remove the cyst. The electrical current produces heat, which your doctor conducts back and forth through the cyst. During cryotherapy, your doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the cyst.