What is a Nabothian Cyst?

 In Other Conditions

A Nabothian Cyst is a benign (non-cancerous) mucus-filled cyst on the cervix. The cervix connects the vagina to the uterus. Nabothian cysts are typically a few millimeters to 4 centimeters in size and are yellow/white in appearance. Your medical provider may find them during a routine gynecologist exam, MRI, or CT scan.

Why does it happen?

Nabothian cysts occur when the skin from the ectocervix grows over the endocerix and blocks mucus producing glands.

What are possible symptoms?

  • Nabothian cysts should not cause pain or any other symptoms.
  • Please talk to your medical provider if you have bleeding between periods, abnormal discharge, or pelvic pain.

What are risk factors for developing nabothian cysts?

  1. Child birth and physical trauma to the cervix
  2. Pregnancy and women in childbearing years
  3. Potential complications?
  4. There are no serious complications associated with nabothian cysts.

What are possible treatments?

No treatment is typically required. In rare cases a cyst(s) may become too large to visualize the cervix and your medical provider may want to remove the cyst in order to assess the health of the cervix.

Where can I get more information?

For additional information, please seek further guidance from your primary care provider or gynecologist.
Casey, P. M., Long, M. E., & Marnach, M. L. (2011). Abnormal Cervical Appearance: What to Do, When to Worry? Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 86(2), 147–151. http://doi.org/10.4065/mcp.2010.0512

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