Medically reviewed by Edward Tavel, MD, Medical Director · Last reviewed 23 August 2026
A Nabothian cyst is a small, benign (non-cancerous) bump that forms on the surface of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The cervix is lined with glands that naturally produce mucus. Sometimes, healthy skin cells can grow over these glands and trap the mucus inside. When the mucus has nowhere to go, it builds up and forms a smooth, rounded, fluid-filled sac known as a Nabothian cyst. These cysts are incredibly common, completely harmless, and are considered a normal feature of cervical anatomy rather than a disease.
In the vast majority of cases, Nabothian cysts cause absolutely no symptoms and go completely unnoticed. They are usually discovered by chance during a routine pelvic exam, a Pap smear, or an imaging test performed for another reason. Because they are painless and do not interfere with the normal function of the cervix or reproductive system, they do not require any treatment. In very rare instances, an unusually large cyst might cause a feeling of fullness or mild pelvic pressure, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
An MRI scan is an excellent tool for viewing the soft tissues of the pelvis, including the cervix. If an MRI is being performed, a Nabothian cyst will typically show up clearly as a small, well-defined, fluid-filled circle. Because MRI provides such detailed images, it allows doctors to easily distinguish these harmless, simple cysts from other, more complex cervical issues. This clear visualization provides peace of mind, confirming that the bump is just a normal, benign collection of mucus that can be safely left alone.
References
1.Nabothian Cyst: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Published April 4, 2022. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22653-nabothian-cyst
2.Nabothian cyst. MedlinePlus. Published July 12, 2023. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001514.htm
3.Nabothian cyst: Causes, symptoms, complications, and treatment. Medical News Today. Published November 17, 2025. Accessed March 4, 2026. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327061
Frequently asked questions
Is a Nabothian cyst dangerous?
No. It is a harmless, non-cancerous build-up of mucus on the surface of the cervix, and is considered a normal feature of cervical anatomy rather than a disease.
What causes them?
The cervix is lined with glands that produce mucus. Sometimes healthy skin cells grow over a gland and trap the mucus inside, which builds up into a smooth, rounded, fluid-filled sac.
Do they cause symptoms?
In the vast majority of cases, none at all. Very rarely, an unusually large cyst might cause a feeling of fullness or mild pelvic pressure, but that is the exception.
Do they need to be removed?
No. They are painless, they do not interfere with the normal function of the cervix or reproductive system, and they require no treatment.
Why did it show up on my scan?
MRI images the soft tissues of the pelvis in detail, so a Nabothian cyst appears clearly as a small, well-defined, fluid-filled circle. Noting it on the report simply confirms it is a simple cyst rather than something more complex.
If anything in your own report is unclear, that is best discussed directly. Call MRI Wellness at 1-833-WELLMRI and we can help you understand what it describes and arrange a review if that is needed.
Sources
A whole-body MRI at MRI Wellness looks at the brain, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis in a single session, without radiation or contrast dye. No referral is needed.
