Cervical Cyst Removal Abroad

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.