Nabothian follicle/Nabothian cyst

Information for patients

A nabothian cyst (or nabothian follicle) can appear as a small bump or bumps on the cervix which can range in colour from white or pale yellow to amber.

Occasionally nabothian cysts are identified on a pelvic ultrasound scan.

What causes Nabothian cysts?

They are caused by a build-up of normal mucus that is produced by the cervix. This occurs as part of normal skin changes on the cervix.

Occasionally, nabothian cysts are related to chronic cervicitis (a long term infection of the cervix).

Symptoms of Nabothian cysts

Nabothian cysts range in size. They do not cause any symptoms unless they are very large in size. Your doctor or nurse may notice nabothian cysts when they take your cervical screening test or carry out an internal examination.

Treatment of Nabothian cysts

Nabothian cysts do not normally require treatment. In rare cases the cysts may become large and cause symptoms or distort the shape of the cervix which may require aspiration of the mucus or removal of the cyst in order to adequately examine the cervix. If this is necessary your doctor or nurse will explain the procedure to you.