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.
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:
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.
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.
If a Nabothian cyst is examined under the microscope, it shows features typical of a benign cyst:
These microscopic findings confirm that the cyst is benign and not cancerous.
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: