Nabothian Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Cost

Nabothian Cysts are noncancerous growths that form on the cervix, typically as a result of normal physiological changes that occur during a woman's reproductive years. They are small, fluid-filled sacs that develop when glandular cells within the cervical canal become trapped or blocked and can appear as single or multiple bumps on the surface of the cervix.

There are three types of Nabothian Cysts:

• Simple Nabothian Cysts: These are the most common type of Nabothian Cysts. They are filled with thick, yellowish fluid and look like small bumps or sacs on the cervix. They are usually painless and harmless.
• Giant Nabothian Cysts: These cysts tend to be larger than simple Nabothian Cysts and have a thicker yellowish fluid content. If ignored, they may also result in abdominal pressure, discomfort, or pain.
• Non-inflammatory Nabothian cyst: These cysts do not contain any inflammatory components such as pus or blood, but are still filled with a thick yellowish fluid. The size of these cysts can vary from very small to quite large, depending on the location of the cyst.

Nabothian Cysts are caused by the blockage of the cervical glands that produce mucus.

• The blockage can be due to: Inflammation
• Infection
• Injury
• Hormonal changes.

Risk factors for developing Nabothian
• Cysts include:
• Pregnancy
• Childbirth Cervical trauma.

• Usually asymptomatic (doesn't cause any symptoms).
• May cause vaginal discharge or spotting.
• May cause pain during sexual intercourse.
• In rare cases, it might lead to pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

Nabothian Cysts can unfortunately not be prevented by any known means. These cysts usually develop as a result of the changes in the cells of the cervix that occur naturally over time.However, some preventive measures that may help reduce your risk of developing cervical abnormalities include:

• Practicing safe sex
• Getting regular Pap tests
• Avoiding smoking.

Some of the frequent examinations performed to identify cervical cancer are listed below:
• Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a screening test used to identify abnormal cervical cells that may have been caused by cervical cancer, pre-cancerous changes, or other infections. It may also detect Nabothian Cysts, although they are usually found incidentally while looking for other abnormalities.
• Colposcopy: A colposcopy is an in-office procedure that uses a magnifying device called a colposcope to look for abnormalities on the cervix such as polyps, warts, and Nabothian Cysts.
• Biopsy: A biopsy may be performed if any suspicious areas are seen on the cervix during a colposcopy exam to rule out pre-cancerous changes or cancerous cells and also to confirm the diagnosis of a Nabothian cyst.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound can be used to help diagnose Nabothian Cysts by viewing them in real-time and measuring their size and shape.

Although Nabothian Cysts normally do not produce symptoms and do not need treatment, they may do so in very rare circumstances.

• Infection: An infected cyst may experience discomfort, swelling, and drainage. A severe case could result in an abscess.
• Bleeding: If a cyst ruptures, it can cause bleeding. Even though it's generally nothing dangerous, this might be concerning. Difficulty with fertility: In rare cases, Nabothian Cysts may interfere with fertility. This is because they can block the cervical canal, making it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus.
• Cancer: While Nabothian Cysts themselves are not cancerous, they can sometimes be a sign of cervical cancer. If a cyst is found during a routine screening, your doctor may recommend further testing to rule out cancer.

Here are some useful home remedies for Nabothian Cysts:

• Drink a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of turmeric powder every morning on an empty stomach to reduce inflammation and improve immunity.
• Apply a mixture of aloe vera gel and turmeric powder on the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Consume a teaspoon of Triphala powder mixed with warm water before bed to detoxify the body and improve digestion.
• Use a warm compress or hot water bottle to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by Nabothian Cysts.
• Consume a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds soaked in water overnight to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Increase your intake of vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, berries, and kiwis to boost your immunity and prevent further infections.
• To minimize stress and advance general health and well-being, do frequent yoga and meditation.
• Use a mixture of neem oil and coconut oil to massage the affected area, which helps to reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Consume a cup of ginger tea or chew on a small piece of ginger root to reduce pain and inflammation.

Generally, it is advisable to consume a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
Eating plenty of whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and vegetable proteins can also help support healthy cysts.
A lot of water should be consumed throughout the day.
Eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods can help support your body’s healing process while also helping to reduce the risk of cyst recurrence.

However, there is no specific diet restriction or food that one should avoid while dealing with Nabothian Cysts. Nevertheless, here are a few general points that one should keep in mind:

• Alcohol: The immune system may be considerably weakened by alcohol use, which may impact the body's capacity to fight off infections that may result in cyst formation.
• Tobacco: Similar to alcohol, smoking tobacco could affect the immune system, and its harmful substances can cause further damage to the cervix.
• Caffeine: Though there is no direct impact of caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda, consuming too much could lead to dehydration, which may dry out the cervical mucus and cause discomfort.
• Spicy and acidic foods: Eating too many spicy or acidic foods could irritate the stomach and cause acid reflux, which could aggravate the symptoms of Nabothian Cysts.

• Hormonal therapy: Hormonal therapy with estrogen can help reduce symptoms associated with these cysts by shrinking them in size and reducing inflammation.
• Cystectomy: This is a surgical procedure wherein the cyst is removed surgically. Either a conventional surgical method or a less invasive treatment may be used to accomplish this.
• Laser ablation: In this procedure, a laser is used to dissolve the cyst. This technique is used in cases where the cyst is very small, and the surgeon can't remove it by traditional surgery.
• Electrocautery or electrodissection: This is a technique where electricity is used to burn or cut the cyst. It is normally carried out under local anesthetic and is a short but painful treatment.
• Cryotherapy: Using liquid nitrogen to freeze the cyst is the method used here. The cyst is destroyed, and the surrounding tissue is preserved.
• arsupialization: To do this, a hole must be made in the cyst, and the margins must be sewn to the surrounding tissue. This procedure prevents the cyst from filling up with fluid, but it doesn't remove the cyst completely.
• Excision with suturing: In this surgical procedure, the cyst is excised, and the edges are sutured. This technique is used when the cyst is too large to be removed using any other method. It's also used when the chances of the cyst coming back are high।

These doctors may be consulted for Nabothian Cysts:

• Gynecologists: As Nabothian Cysts are mainly found in the cervix, gynecologists are the foremost doctors to consult for this disease. They have specialized knowledge and expertise in dealing with female reproductive health issues.
• Obstetricians: Obstetricians may also be consulted regarding Nabothian Cysts since they deal with pregnancy and childbirth. They can advise pregnant women about the risks associated with Nabothian Cysts and may also guide treatment options.
• Primary care physicians: For an early Nabothian Cyst diagnosis and treatment, get in touch with a primary care doctor. They are qualified to address a range of medical conditions and, if necessary, may refer patients to experts.
• Surgeons: In severe cases of Nabothian Cysts, surgery may be required. In such cases, surgeons can provide treatment and advice on the best approach to the surgical procedure.
• Oncologists: Although Nabothian Cysts are usually noncancerous, in rare cases, they may be associated with cancer. Oncologists may be contacted if cancer is suspected since they are specialist medical professionals who diagnose and treat cancer.

The best medicines for treating these types of cysts include:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics, like tetracycline or metronidazole, can help reduce the symptoms associated with Nabothian Cysts, such as pain and swelling.
• Steroids: Intralesional steroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and reduce the size of existing cysts.
• Oral contraceptives: Furthermore, if you're already taking oral contraceptives such as combination pills, increasing your dose can help prevent new cysts from forming or recurring after treatments are over.
• Hyoscine butyl bromide: Hyoscine butyl bromide is a medication that helps relax the uterus and thin cervical mucus to help with pain caused by Nabothian Cysts during intercourse.

Depending on the size and severity of the cysts, the healing time for Nabothian Cysts might vary. The cysts often don't need to be treated and may go away on their own in a few weeks to a few months. If treatment is necessary, it may involve surgical removal of the cysts, which can take a few weeks to heal fully.

The surgery for Nabothian Cysts typically results in a permanent solution to the problem. While there may be some discomfort or inconvenience associated with the procedure, the results are usually very good, and patients can expect a permanent solution to their problem.

The best medicines for treating these types of cysts include:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics, like tetracycline or metronidazole, can help reduce the symptoms associated with Nabothian Cysts, such as pain and swelling.
• Steroids: Intralesional steroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and reduce the size of existing cysts.
• Oral contraceptives: Furthermore, if you're already taking oral contraceptives such as combination pills, increasing your dose can help prevent new cysts from forming or recurring after treatments are over.
• Hyoscine butyl bromide: Hyoscine butyl bromide is a medication that helps relax the uterus and thin cervical mucus to help with pain caused by Nabothian Cysts during intercourse.

Depending on the institution and location, Nabothian Cyst treatment in India may cost anything from

• On average, the cost of a consultation with a gynecologist can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500. If further testing or procedures are required, the cost can increase.
• A transvaginal ultrasound can cost around Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2500, while a biopsy may cost around Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,000.
• In some cases, surgical removal of the cysts may be necessary, which can cost around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000.

Potential side effects of Nabothian Cysts treatment are:

• Pain: Although uncommon, some women may experience mild to moderate pain after treatment for Nabothian Cysts. Pain may occur during the procedure or a few days after the treatment. Bleeding: After the surgery, women may have minor vaginal bleeding, which is a frequent side effect of the majority of gynecological surgeries.
• Infection: There is little chance of infection, as there is with every medical surgery. However, the chance of infection is low if the procedure is done under sterile conditions and if proper post-operative care is provided.
• Scarring: Scarring is a rare side effect of Nabothian Cysts treatment. It can occur if the cyst is opened and drained, causing a small visible scar on the cervix.
• Sexual dysfunction: Women may experience sexual dysfunction, including pain or discomfort during intercourse, after Nabothian Cysts treatment.
• Perforation: In rare cases, the tool used to remove the cyst may puncture the cervix, leading to bleeding and infection. Fertility: In most cases, treatment for Nabothian Cysts does not affect fertility. However, in rare cases, scarring may occur, leading to infertility.
• Anesthesia complications: General anesthesia in women might have negative side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness. Moreover, the anesthetic drug may cause an allergic response in certain women.
• Discharge: After therapy, some discharge in women is common and is a natural component of the healing process. Recurrence: In some cases, Nabothian Cysts may recur after treatment, leading to further procedures. Women should discuss the chances of recurrence with their doctor before undergoing treatment.