Cervical cysts: Can they be cancerous?

Cervical cysts aren’t cancer. They’re sacs that grow in the canal that connects the uterus and vagina, called the cervix. The most common type of cervical cyst is a nabothian cyst. This cyst forms when regular tissue on the outer part of the cervix grows over the mucus-making tissue of the inner part of the cervix. When mucus, fluid or tissue becomes trapped, a cyst forms.

Nabothian cysts are so common that healthcare professionals think of them as a typical feature of the cervix in adults. Your healthcare professional may find one by chance during a pelvic exam or a pelvic ultrasound. In general, cervical cysts don’t cause symptoms and don’t need treatment.

Your healthcare professional may collect a tissue sample called a biopsy for lab testing if a cervical cyst looks concerning. A cyst biopsy also may be done if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pain during sex.