Nabothian follicle

Nabothian Follicle

A Nabothian Follicle is a small, benign cyst that forms on the surface of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. These follicles, also known as nabothian cysts, are filled with mucus that is secreted by the cervical glands. They are named after the German anatomist Martin Naboth, who first described them in the 18th century.

Formation

Nabothian follicles form when the squamous epithelium of the cervix, which normally lines the outer part of the cervix, grows over the columnar epithelium, which lines the inner part of the cervix. This can happen as a result of chronic inflammation, cervical ectropion, or after a cervical procedure such as a cervical biopsy or cryotherapy. The mucus produced by the columnar epithelium is trapped beneath the squamous epithelium, forming a cyst.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Most women with nabothian follicles do not experience any symptoms, and the follicles are often discovered during a routine pelvic examination. However, if the follicles become large, they may cause discomfort or a feeling of pressure. In rare cases, they can cause dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse) or postcoital bleeding.

Diagnosis of nabothian follicles is usually made by visual inspection during a pelvic examination. They appear as small, white or yellow bumps on the surface of the cervix. If necessary, further tests such as a colposcopy or a cervical biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

In most cases, no treatment is necessary for nabothian follicles, as they are benign and do not cause any symptoms. If they become large and cause discomfort, they can be removed by a doctor using a simple procedure. This may involve cryotherapy (freezing), electrocautery (burning), or laser ablation.

See Also

• Cervical ectropion
• Cervical biopsy
• Cryotherapy
• Electrocautery
• Laser ablation

References

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