Cyst is a benign formation, which is often formed in the tissues of the organs of the reproductive system, in particular, in the area of the cervical canal and the vaginal part of the cervix. Many women of reproductive age face a similar problem. Naturally, the patients of the gynecological department are interested in any available information about the disease.
What are the causes of a cyst on the cervix? What danger is associated with the appearance of such a neoplasm? What are the symptoms to look out for? What treatments can modern medicine offer? The answers to these questions are of interest to many women.
What is a cyst?
According to statistics, approximately 10-20% of women of reproductive age are faced with such a problem as a cyst on the cervix. Causes, treatment, symptoms - this, of course, is important information. But first, let's look at the general data.
The cyst is a kind ofa tumor that is formed as a result of blockage of the duct of the gland. Mucus and secretion begin to accumulate inside the cavity, as a result of which the gland increases in size. Such neoplasms can have different sizes. As a rule, they are located in the tissues of the vaginal part of the cervix or cervical canal.
Cyst on the cervix: causes, photo
As mentioned, this is a fairly common problem. The reasons for the formation of cysts on the cervix can be very different. Their list is worth checking out.
- Mechanical injury of the cervix. The causes of a cyst on the cervix can lie in injuries received during childbirth or an improperly performed abortion. Tissue damage is often accompanied by blockage of the glandular ducts, which subsequently leads to the formation and growth of a cyst.
- Menopause and other hormonal changes. Fluctuations in the hormonal background affect the state and functioning of the tissues of the reproductive system. For example, during menopause, the mucous membrane becomes thinner. The glands are more vulnerable and produce more mucus in response to any, even the slightest irritation. Increasing the amount of secretion increases the risk of cyst formation.
- Infectious diseases. Almost any infection that affects the organs of the reproductive system (including venereal) can provoke the appearance of such a neoplasm. Against the background of the inflammatory process, the secret secreted by the glands becomes more viscous, which contributes toblockage.
Based on the reasons, risk factors include the introduction of an intrauterine device, diagnostic gynecological curettage, metabolic disorders, diseases of the endocrine system, any inflammation of the pelvic organs.
Classification of neoplasms, depending on the cause of occurrence
Today, there are a huge number of ways to classify such a pathology as a cervical cyst. The reasons for the appearance are also taken into account. Based on this, such neoplasms are divided into several groups:
- traumatic - such cysts are formed as a result of tissue damage and displacement;
- tumor - neoplasms are the result of the progression of tumor processes;
- parasitic - cysts that appear as a result of the vital activity of various parasites;
- dysontogenetic - the development of neoplasms in this case is associated with the presence of congenital anomalies or anatomical disorders in the patient;
- retentionary - this group includes cysts that are formed as a result of an increase in the volume of secretion produced by the gland.
Natobian cysts of the cervix: causes
Unfortunately, young women quite often face such a problem as neoplasms that appear on the genitals. And in some cases, patients leave the doctor's office with a diagnosis of "nabothian cysts on the cervix." Causes, treatment, photos - these are the points that are of interest to manywomen.
As you know, in the tissues of the cervix there are glandular cells that produce a specific secret. In some cases, blockage of the duct of these cells is observed. A secret begins to accumulate inside them, as a result of which small, but dense, rounded structures of a white-yellow color are formed. By the way, the researcher Nabotov described this phenomenon for the first time.
Why do these little cysts appear on the cervix? Unfortunately, the reasons are not always clear. To date, there is information that such neoplasms often appear as a result of chronic inflammatory processes in the pelvic area. Risk factors also include changes in hormonal levels, erosive processes in the tissues of the uterus, sexual infections.
Nabothian cysts, as a rule, are small in size and practically do not affect the functioning of the reproductive organs. Symptoms are often absent - the pathology is diagnosed by chance during a routine gynecological examination. Of course, such a problem requires more thorough diagnosis. However, in most cases no specific therapy is needed. Patients are recommended periodic gynecological examinations - so the doctor can notice any changes in the patient's condition in time.
If the cyst is rapidly growing in size, compressing nearby structures, including blood vessels and nerve endings, the doctor may decide to surgically remove it.
What are the symptoms of pathology?
Many young women face such a problem as a cyst on the cervix. Causes, treatment, possible complications are important issues. But it is worth familiarizing yourself with the features of the symptoms.
In this case, the number and size of neoplasms is of great importance. A single small cyst is unlikely to cause any serious deterioration in well-being - they are often discovered by chance during a medical examination.
If we are talking about large neoplasms, then unpleasant, pulling pains in the lower abdomen may appear. Some patients complain of soreness and discomfort during intercourse. Symptoms include the appearance of uncharacteristic vaginal discharge (if an infection is attached, they can acquire a yellowish or greenish tint, as well as an extremely unpleasant odor). In some cases, the growth of the cyst is accompanied by the appearance of spotting.
List of possible complications
Many women are interested in the causes of cysts on the cervix, as well as possible complications that develop with this pathology. In fact, neoplasm rarely poses a serious threat. However, patients should monitor their he alth.
There is no risk of malignant tissue degeneration. But the possibility of tissue infection is not ruled out. The appearance and growth of cysts are often associated with infectious and inflammatory diseases of the cervix, endometrium, etc.
Worth ittalk about reproductive function. By itself, a small cyst cannot prevent fertilization or the successful completion of a pregnancy. However, a large neoplasm is often associated with infections, endometriosis and inflammatory diseases - together these factors can lead to infertility. In addition, due to the growth of the cyst, the cervix can become deformed, which can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Diagnostic measures
As already mentioned, most often a doctor during a gynecological examination accidentally discovers a cyst of the cervix. The causes and treatment of such a pathology are closely related. That is why in the process of diagnosis it is important not only to confirm the presence of formations, but also to understand their causes.
Informative in this case is colposcopy - during the procedure, the doctor can carefully examine the tissues of the vagina and cervix. Be sure to conduct a study of smears on the microflora. It is important to determine the presence of bacterial infections, including chlamydia, trichomoniasis, etc. You need to donate blood - a general analysis will make it possible to notice inflammation. Since sometimes cyst growth is associated with hormonal disorders, it is important to conduct a blood test for hormones.
Ultrasound for diagnosing cysts
Ultrasound examination is a mandatory procedure if a cyst is suspected. This is a simple but really informative method. During the study, the doctor can examine the body and cervix, assess the quality of blood supply,notice any changes in the structure of an organ, see a neoplasm, fix its exact dimensions, etc.
Examination is carried out as standard - the cervix can be seen using a transabdominal or transvaginal probe of an ultrasound machine. The procedure is safe and painless. The results obtained often help doctors not only detect the presence of neoplasms, but also determine the possible causes of a cyst on the cervix.
Surgical treatments
Immediately it should be noted that the doctor makes the decision to perform a surgical intervention only if the neoplasm is large and / or tends to grow rapidly.
The operation is performed using endoscopic equipment. The doctor makes small incisions in the abdominal wall through which a special instrument is inserted. The cyst is pierced, and then the mucous / purulent secret is removed from its cavity.
Then the cyst cavity is treated with a special antiseptic solution - this prevents possible complications and re-accumulation of pus inside the neoplasm. The operation does not require long-term rehabilitation - after a few days the patient can return to her usual way of life.
Methods for removing a cyst
During endoscopic surgery, the doctor can clean the cavity of the cyst. But the wall of the neoplasm must be removed. Different methods are used for this.
- Moxibustion. For this purpose, chemical aggressive substances and special medicines are used.
- Radio wave therapy. The cyst is removeddestroying its tissues with high-frequency radio waves. It is a gentle treatment that is often given to young women at the planning stages of pregnancy.
- Cryotherapy, or freezing. Neoplasms destroy tissues by exposing them to ultra-low temperatures (liquid nitrogen).
- Laser removal. This is a relatively new, but expensive procedure that allows you to remove cyst tissue using a laser beam, without contacting the cervical mucosa.
Further treatment tactics
Drug therapy largely depends on the causes of the cyst and the presence of concomitant diseases. If there is a venereal infection, then appropriate therapy is carried out (for both partners).
If hormonal fluctuations are the cause of neoplasms, then doctors recommend taking progestins, combined oral contraceptives. Additionally, anti-inflammatory agents may be used. The treatment regimen sometimes includes various physiotherapy procedures.
Treatment with folk remedies: how effective is it?
Now you already know how and why cysts appear on the cervix (reasons). Alternative methods of treatment exist, although they can only be used as an aid.
Decoctions of chamomile flowers, sea buckthorn leaves, nettle, sage, plantain, succession, rose hips are considered effective. To prepare decoctions, these components can be mixedor use it separately. Such home remedies are suitable for both oral and douching. Herbs help improve tissue trophism, relieve inflammation and irritation, and strengthen local immunity.
Of course, it is strictly forbidden to do anything without the knowledge of the doctor. Although a cyst on the cervix is rarely a serious threat, self-medication is not worth it.