Your cervix
is that portion of your womb (uterus) which extends into and through the back
of your vagina—the exit of the birth canal during labor and delivery of a baby.
While it dilates to accommodate the birthing process, in the non-pregnant state
its circular area is collapsed and plugged with mucus to prevent germs from
entering. The cervix, because it protrudes into your vagina, can be easily seen
during a pelvic exam using a smooth speculum device.
What is a Cervical
Cyst?
Since the cervix normally makes mucus, there are
mucus-secreting glands (called “Nabothian glands”)
that at times can be seen on exam. These are normal. But glands must secrete
what they make, and if the gland’s exit for the mucus is blocked, mucus can
accumulate, increasing the size of the gland until it’s called a “cyst,”
that is, an abnormal amount collected of a normal substance. These usually go
away on their own; if one doesn’t, however, because it is benign, removal would
only be desirable if it began to cause symptoms.
Chronic vaginal discharge, pain with intercourse, etc., are things that could
warrant removal.
Sometimes a cervical cyst can be abnormal material that
accumulates, such as in endometriosis (glandular material similar to the higher
lining of your uterus).
How is a Cervical
Cyst Diagnosed?
Since a cervical cyst is not life-threatening, the main goal
in making the diagnosis is to make sure what is there isn’t something else—something that is dangerous.
This can be done easily by visualizing the cyst with a special pair of lenses
called a colposcope, which is
nothing more than binoculars on a stick which can be maneuvered for optimum
views. It there is still any doubt, a small pinch of tissue (a “biopsy”) can be
done to prove for certain what is going on; this requires no anesthetic.
How are Cervical
Cysts Removed and How Difficult?
Since they are accessible from a vaginal approach, they are
not difficult to remove. Usually either no—or very little—local anesthetic is
used and they can be removed or destroyed in just a moment. Either freezing
them with a “cryo” instrument or using a “loop” electrode to scoop them away
are the easiest and recommended ways. Also, just puncturing them and allowing
them to drain can possibly work, but may result in their return.
Removal is simple, convenient, and safe. It is easily
accomplished within just an office visit, which involves a gynecological and
medical evaluation. You walk out feeling the same as you walked in.
How Do You Prepare?
You really don’t have to do anything to prepare. The only
recommendation is that you schedule it during a time you’re not on your cyclic
period. It’s not that this makes it dangerous, it’s just that menstrual blood
and debris obscures the visibility, making it more tedious for your doctor.
How Does Medical
Tourism Impact Cervical Cyst Removal?
It doesn’t. There is no problem with flying home, even
immediately.