Cervical Cysts: Can They Be Cancerous?

Self
Cervical cysts usually aren't cancerous. Some types of cervical cysts are so common that they're considered a normal feature of cervical anatomy.

Can cervical cysts be cancerous?

Answer From Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D.

Cervical cysts aren't cancerous. The most common variety is a nabothian (nuh-BOW-thee-un) cyst, which forms when normal tissue on the outer part of the cervix grows over the glandular, mucus-producing tissue of the inner part of the cervix. When mucus, fluid or tissue becomes trapped, a cyst forms.

Nabothian cysts are so common that they're considered to be a normal feature of cervical anatomy. Your doctor might discover one incidentally during a pelvic exam. In general, cervical cysts don't cause symptoms and require no treatment.

Your doctor might collect a tissue sample (biopsy) to send for lab testing if a cervical cyst or other lesion looks unusual. Other red flags include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse.

Updated: 2017-02-08

Publication Date: 2017-02-08