Yes, you can develop cysts on your cervix. This occurrence is extremely common, and for most people, these small growths are a normal, harmless finding that requires no intervention. Cervical cysts are almost always benign and frequently develop as a natural part of the cervical tissue remodeling process. The majority of these growths are discovered incidentally during routine gynecological examinations or imaging performed for other reasons.
Understanding Cervical Cysts
A cervical cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on the surface of the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. These cysts are retention cysts, meaning they form when the normal flow of a substance is blocked, leading to its accumulation in a closed space. The most prevalent type, known as a Nabothian cyst, is so widespread that healthcare providers consider it a typical feature of the adult cervix.
The formation of a Nabothian cyst begins in the transformation zone of the cervix, where one type of cell lining transitions into another. The columnar epithelial cells that line the endocervical canal produce mucus to keep the passage lubricated. When a new layer of squamous epithelium grows over these mucus-producing columnar cells, the openings of the cervical glands become physically blocked.
The continued secretion of mucus by the trapped glandular cells causes the mucus to build up, creating a sac just beneath the surface. These cysts are filled with the mucus that the cervix produces. While most Nabothian cysts are small, typically measuring only a few millimeters in diameter, they can occasionally grow larger, with some recorded cases reaching up to four centimeters.
While Nabothian cysts account for nearly all cervical cysts, other, much rarer types exist. These include Mullerian cysts, which are congenital, forming from remnants of embryonic ducts. However, when a medical professional refers to a cervical cyst, they are almost always referring to the common, benign, mucus-filled Nabothian cyst.
Recognizing Symptoms and Detection
Most individuals with a cervical cyst will never notice its presence because these growths are asymptomatic. The vast majority of Nabothian cysts are small and do not cause pain, abnormal discharge, or discomfort. They are typically discovered by chance during a routine pelvic exam or cervical screening, such as a Pap smear.
During a visual examination, a healthcare provider can usually identify these cysts as smooth, whitish, or yellow nodules on the cervical surface. In the rare instances when a cyst grows unusually large or multiple cysts cluster together, a patient may experience subtle symptoms, such as a feeling of pelvic pressure or mild discomfort during intercourse. If symptoms like unexplained vaginal bleeding, persistent pelvic pain, or a foul-smelling discharge occur, they are usually indicators of a different underlying condition, not the cyst itself.
If a cyst appears atypical or is causing symptoms, the provider may use secondary diagnostic tools for confirmation. A colposcopy, which uses a magnifying instrument to get a detailed view of the cervix, can help distinguish a benign cyst from other, more serious lesions. In some cases, a transvaginal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to evaluate the cyst’s size and internal characteristics, especially if the growth is deeply embedded within the cervical tissue.
Medical Management and Outlook
The outlook for a person diagnosed with a cervical cyst is excellent, as the growths are overwhelmingly benign. Because Nabothian cysts rarely cause symptoms or pose a health risk, the standard approach to management is usually observation with no active treatment required. Healthcare providers simply monitor the cysts during regular gynecological check-ups to ensure they remain stable.
Intervention is only considered in specific, uncommon scenarios where the cyst is causing a mechanical problem. This might occur if a particularly large cyst or a cluster of cysts physically obstructs the opening of the cervix, known as the external os. Such an obstruction can sometimes make it difficult for a clinician to adequately visualize the cervix or collect a necessary cell sample during a Pap smear.
In these rare cases, minor outpatient procedures are available to address the cyst. One common technique is simple drainage, where the provider punctures the cyst with a needle to allow the trapped mucus to escape. Other methods include electrocauterization or cryocauterization, which use heat or freezing, respectively, to destroy the cyst and prevent its recurrence.
These procedures are low-risk and are performed primarily to ensure effective routine cervical cancer screening or to relieve mechanical obstruction. Since atypical cervical growths can sometimes mimic a benign cyst, it is always advisable to consult a gynecologist for a proper diagnosis and personalized management advice.