Nabothian Cyst Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Nabothi cyst is a condition where there are small cysts in the mouth of the uterus or cervix, which is the part that connects the vagina and uterus.
Nabothi cysts often contain mucus produced by glands in the cervix. This condition is quite common and generally harmless.
Symptom
The size of a Nabothi cyst can vary, from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Generally, Nabothi cysts have smooth surface and are white or yellow in color. This condition doesn’t cause pain, discomfort, or other symptoms, and is often discovered during routine checkups.
Reason
Nabothi cysts form when the mucus-producing glands in the cervix become blocked. The cells that line the cervix can clog the glands, causing mucus to build up. This condition can lead to the formation of cysts on the cervix, which often look like small white lumps.
In some conditions, childbirth or trauma to the cervix can cause Nabothi cysts. At the time of delivery, the tissue around the area can be overproduced and block the flow of mucus. Therefore, cyst formation can occur.
Trauma or physical injury to the cervix can cause overproduction of tissue over the glands which blocks the flow of mucus and then forms cysts. Cysts resulting from trauma or physical injury often occur during the healing period of chronic cervicitis, where inflammation of the cervical tissue occurs.
Nabothi cysts generally arise during pregnancy or when a woman is of reproductive age, which lasts from puberty to menopause.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a Nabothi cyst is generally made on the basis of a physical examination. Sometimes, this condition can also be seen during pelvic ultrasonography, computerized tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which includes the cervical region.
After the doctor finds a lump that is suspected to be a Nabothi cyst, a colposcopy can be done to determine the diagnosis. The examination involves the magnification of certain areas to differentiate Nabothi cysts from other lumps. The doctor can also do a biopsy, by taking a small amount of tissue from the lump, if the diagnosis is uncertain.
Treatment
Nabothi cysts are generally benign conditions and do not require specific treatment. In a minority of cases, cysts can enlarge and cause changes in the size and shape of the cervix.
If the condition gets worse, it can make routine cervical examinations difficult. The doctor may recommend removing the cyst to be able to examine the cervix more closely.
In Nabothi cysts that require treatment, removal can be done by excision or through a process called electrocautery ablation. In excision, the doctor uses a scalpel or knife to remove the tissue. In electrocautery ablation, the doctor uses an electric current, which then produces heat energy and causes the lump to detach from the cervix.
Cryotherapy may also be used to remove the cyst, in which the doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the cyst. This procedure is less invasive than excision or ablation. To determine the most appropriate treatment method, it is very important to discuss further with the doctor based on the results of medical interviews and physical examinations.
Prevention
There is no proven method of prevention that is completely effective in preventing the occurrence of Nabothi cysts.