What Are Nabothian Cysts and When Should You Be Concerned?
Curious about your cervix and noticed a bump? Perhaps several bumps? Worried that it was an STD, unlikely! It’s not uncommon for women to feel a small, hard lump during a self-exam that may cause alarm. Fortunately, one common cause of such a bump is a Nabothian cyst, which is typically harmless. Here’s everything you need to know about these cervical bumps.
1. What Are Nabothian Cysts?
Nabothian cysts are small, fluid-filled bumps that form on the surface of the cervix. These cysts, also called epidermal inclusion cysts, are caused when mucus-secreting glands in the cervix become blocked, trapping fluid inside.
- How They Feel: Nabothian cysts are firm and smooth, and if you’re doing a cervical self-exam, they may feel like tiny bumps or nodules.
- Appearance on Ultrasound: On imaging, they appear as small, dark ovals within the cervical tissue, confirming their fluid-filled nature. It would almost never require an MRI or CT scan for further information.
If you suspect you’ve felt a Nabothian cyst during a self-exam, it’s best to consult your gynecologist for confirmation and peace of mind. Just the presence of Nabothian Cysts doesn’t change your scheduled pap smear plan.
2. How Big Are Nabothian Cysts?
Most Nabothian cysts are pea-sized or smaller, though some can grow to the size of a marble or grape. Their size can vary, but in most cases, they are small enough that they don’t cause symptoms or require treatment.
- When Do They Develop?
- Nabothian cysts are more common in women who:
- Are sexually active.
- Have had children.
- Are older.
- They are not harmful and often go unnoticed unless felt during an exam or seen during a routine gynecological visit. Only the very large have been reported to cause UTIs or uterine prolapse, and this would be quite rare from a Nabothian Cyst.
- Nabothian cysts are more common in women who:
3. How Do Nabothian Cysts Differ from Other Cervical Growths?
While Nabothian cysts are benign and rarely require treatment, other cervical growths can have different causes and implications. Here’s how they compare:
| Condition | Characteristics | Associated Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Nabothian Cysts | Firm, smooth, fluid-filled bumps. Often stable over time. | Usually asymptomatic. |
| Polyps | Soft, finger-like growths. May be vascular. | Possible spotting or bleeding. |
| Genital Warts | Caused by HPV. Small, rough-textured bumps. | Itching or discomfort. |
| Fibroids | Muscular growths, often within the uterus but occasionally on the cervix. | May cause pressure or pain. |
| Ulcers or Tumors | Rare; associated with irregular bleeding, discharge, or pain. | Varies depending on the cause. |
| HSV Blisters | Painful fluid-filled lesions caused by herpes. | Pain, itching, and positive HSV test. |
If your gynecologist identifies the bump as a Nabothian cyst and you don’t have symptoms like pain, unusual bleeding, or discharge, no further testing or treatment is usually necessary. Most of these other conditions won’t need too much further testing. Almost 99% of all cervical polyps are not cancerous.
4. When Do Nabothian Cysts Need Treatment?
Most Nabothian cysts don’t require intervention, but there are rare cases where treatment might be needed:
- Large Cysts: If a Nabothian cyst becomes very large, it can cause pressure or discomfort. In such cases, your gynecologist may recommend drainage.
- Obstruction: If a cyst obstructs the flow of menstrual blood, it can cause fluid or infection to back up into the uterus, but this is uncommon.
5. What Should You Do Next?
If you’re concerned about a bump on your cervix:
- Consult Your Gynecologist: A quick exam can confirm if it’s a Nabothian cyst or another benign condition.
- Don’t Panic: Nabothian cysts are rarely harmful and often require no action.
- Monitor Symptoms: If you experience pain, bleeding, or unusual discharge, seek medical advice to rule out other conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Nabothian cysts are common, benign bumps on the cervix caused by blocked mucus glands.
- They’re usually small, harmless, and stable over time, requiring no treatment unless they cause discomfort.
- Other growths, like polyps, warts, or ulcers, may have different symptoms and need further evaluation.
For more information on cervical health, check out:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Cervical Conditions
- Mayo Clinic: Nabothian Cysts
By staying informed and consulting your gynecologist, you can ensure peace of mind and optimal cervical health!
