Nabothian Cyst of the Cervix: Understanding Your Pathology Report

By Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
May 17, 2026

A Nabothian cyst is a small, fluid-filled sac that develops on the surface of the cervix, 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 small mucus-producing glands in the cervix become covered or blocked. Mucus builds up inside the blocked gland and forms a round, smooth cyst. Nabothian cysts are sometimes also called mucous retention cysts. This article will help you understand what this finding means on your pathology report, why it occurs, and what your doctor may discuss with you about it.

What causes a Nabothian cyst?

Nabothian cysts form when the normal mucus glands of the cervix become covered or blocked, trapping mucus inside. Several common processes can lead to this:

Healing after childbirth — As the cervix repairs itself after delivery, the new tissue can grow over and block the openings of the mucus glands.
Minor injury or inflammation — Irritation of the cervix from surgery, instrumentation, or infection can cause surface cells to grow over the mucus glands.
Natural tissue changes — Even without injury or childbirth, gradual changes in the lining of the cervix over time can block glands and lead to cyst formation.

What are the symptoms?

Most Nabothian cysts cause no symptoms. They are often discovered by chance during a routine pelvic examination or Pap test. In rare cases, a cyst may grow large enough to cause mild pelvic discomfort, a sensation of fullness, or pressure in the lower abdomen. Nabothian cysts do not cause vaginal bleeding, infertility, or cancer.

How is the diagnosis made?

Most Nabothian cysts are recognized during a pelvic examination, where they appear as smooth, round, white or yellow bumps on the surface of the cervix. They are often multiple and can vary in size. In most cases, the appearance is so typical that no further testing is needed. If a cyst is unusually large or if there is any uncertainty about whether the bump is truly a Nabothian cyst, an ultrasound or other imaging study may be performed. Rarely, a small biopsy or excision may be done to confirm the diagnosis by examining the tissue under the microscope.

What does a Nabothian cyst look like under the microscope?

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

Lining cells — The cyst wall is lined by columnar epithelial cells, the same normal cells that produce mucus in the cervix.
Cyst contents — The space inside the cyst contains clear or cloudy mucus.
Surface covering — The outer surface of the cyst may be covered by a layer of thin, flat cells called squamous cells, which are the normal cells found on the outer surface of the cervix.

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

What happens after this diagnosis?

In most cases, no treatment is needed. Nabothian cysts are harmless, often resolve on their own, and do not cause health problems even when they persist. Routine cervical cancer screening continues on the usual schedule.

The discussion between you and your doctor about the next steps depends on what was found:

Typical Nabothian cyst, no symptoms — No specific treatment is generally needed. The cyst can simply be noted in your medical record.
Cyst causing discomfort or pressure — If a cyst grows large enough to cause symptoms, the team may discuss draining or removing it in a simple office procedure.
Uncertain appearance — If the bump on the cervix does not look like a typical Nabothian cyst, your doctor may discuss imaging or a small biopsy to confirm that no other condition is present.

Questions to ask your doctor

Is the cyst typical for a Nabothian cyst, or is there anything unusual about it?
Do I need any further tests or imaging?
Will the cyst go away on its own, stay the same, or possibly grow larger?
Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch for between visits?
In what situations would removal or drainage be appropriate?
Does this finding change my cervical cancer screening schedule in any way?
Could the cyst be related to a prior childbirth or to another condition I have had?
If a small biopsy was taken, what did it show?