Cervical Cysts

Cervical cysts, sometimes referred to as nabothian cysts, are small bumps that are found on the surface of the cervix, which is a 2-centimeter long area located at the bottom of the uterus. Like ovarian cysts, cervical cysts are usually not harmful or cancerous and do not present symptoms or require any treatment.
 
Most cervical cysts are discovered during routine pelvic exams or gynecological exams, so getting these regular checkups is very important.
 
Depending on their size, most cervical cysts do not interfere with conception or pregnancy, but some larger cervical cysts may pose a problem in this area and may need to be removed.
 
Cervical cysts most often look like tiny pimples and are filled with mucous. Cervical cysts can form individually or in small clusters. Each cervical cyst is most often between 2 millimeters and 10 millimeters in diameter.

Causes of Cervical Cysts

In some cases, cervical cysts appear without reason or explanation in women. However, cervical cysts are often associated with pregnancy and menopause. Cervical cysts are the most common during a woman's childbearing years.
 
After delivery of a baby, the tissue in the cervix grows, repairs and replenishes itself. This process often covers mucous glands and traps mucous inside, creating cervical cysts.
 
When women reach menopause, the skin in their vaginas and cervixes becomes much thinner, which puts them more at risk for cervical cysts.
 
Also, women who have cervical infections are more at risk for developing cervical cysts.

Cervical Cyst Symptoms

Many cervical cysts will not create any discomfort or symptoms, but some can grow to a large enough size to be noticeable and uncomfortable.
 
Other symptoms can include:
  • irregular bleeding
  • pain during intercourse
  • pelvic pain
  • vaginal discharge.

Cervical Cyst Treatment & Removal

If symptoms occur, a medical professional can perform a colposcopy, which feels similar to a Pap smear but uses a microscope to magnify the cervix. If a cervical cyst appears to be abnormal during the colposcopy, a biopsy may be performed to determine whether the cervical cyst is cancerous.
 
Large cervical cysts or cervical cysts that cause symptoms of pain or discomfort will most likely need to be removed by a doctor.
 

Uterine Fibroids & Uterine Polyps
 
Similar to cervical cysts, uterine fibroids and uterine polyps are small growths that form inside the uterus. They range from 1 centimeter to 5 centimeters in diameter and are made up of cells that comprise the endometrium. Uterine fibroids and uterine polyps form when the endometrial layer in the uterus grows too much due to hormone imbalance, causing some clumping.
 
Women become more at risk of developing uterine fibroids and uterine polyps as they age and usually develop these growths in their 40s or 50s.
 
While uterine fibroids and uterine polyps are generally harmless and benign, they can interfere with fertility and affect the lining of the uterus, so they are generally removed through surgery. They can also create spotting between menstrual periods, irregular bleeding and stomach cramps.
 
Resources
 
Mayo Clinic Staff (2007). Cervical cysts: Can they be cancerous? Retrieved June 21, 2007, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cervical-cysts/AN00123.
 
Shared Journey (2005). Uterine Polyps and Cysts. Retrieved June 21, 2007, from the Shared Journey Web site: http://www.sharedjourney.com/dx/polyps.html.