Your pathology report for Nabothian cyst

By Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
August 29, 2025

A Nabothian cyst is a small, fluid-filled sac that develops on the surface of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Nabothian cysts are very common and benign, meaning they are noncancerous and generally harmless.

They form when tiny mucus-producing glands in the cervix become blocked. As mucus builds up inside the blocked gland, a round, smooth cyst develops. Nabothian cysts are sometimes referred to as mucous retention cysts.

What are the symptoms of a Nabothian cyst?

Most Nabothian cysts do not cause any symptoms. They are often discovered by chance during a routine pelvic exam or Pap test.

• Typical cysts – Small, painless, and do not cause problems.

• Rare larger cysts – In uncommon cases, a cyst may grow large enough to cause mild pelvic discomfort, a feeling of fullness, or pressure in the lower abdomen.

Nabothian cysts do not cause bleeding, infertility, or cancer.

What causes a Nabothian cyst?

Nabothian cysts form when the normal mucus glands in the cervix become covered or blocked. This can happen for several reasons:

• Healing after childbirth – As the cervix repairs itself, the new tissue can grow over and block the mucus glands.

• Minor injury or inflammation – Any irritation of the cervix, such as after surgery or infection, can cause surface cells to grow over the glands.

• Natural tissue changes – Even without injury or childbirth, changes in the cervix over time can block glands and lead to cyst formation.

How is this diagnosis made?

Nabothian cysts are usually diagnosed during a routine pelvic exam. They appear as smooth, round, white or yellow bumps on the cervix. They are often multiple and vary in size.

In most cases, no further testing is needed because their appearance is typical and harmless. If the cysts are unusually large or if there is any uncertainty, your doctor may order an ultrasound or another imaging test to get a closer look. However, this is rarely necessary.

What are the microscopic features of a Nabothian cyst?

If a Nabothian cyst is examined under the microscope, it shows features typical of a benign cyst:

• The cyst wall is lined by columnar epithelial cells, which are normal cells that produce mucus in the cervix.

• The cyst contains clear or cloudy mucus inside.

• The surface of the cyst may be covered by a layer of thin, flat cells called squamous cells, which are also normal cells from the surface of the cervix.

These microscopic findings confirm that the cyst is benign and not cancer.

Do Nabothian cysts need treatment?

In most cases, no treatment is required. Nabothian cysts are harmless and often go away on their own. Even when they persist, they do not cause health problems.

Treatment may be considered only in rare situations when:

• A cyst grows large enough to cause discomfort or pressure.

• The cyst is mistaken for another type of growth and needs to be confirmed as benign.

If needed, treatment is simple and may involve draining or removing the cyst in a doctor’s office.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Do I need any further tests or imaging for this cyst?

• Will the cyst go away on its own or stay the same?

• Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch for?

• In what situations would treatment be necessary?