The cervical cyst is a formation formed from enlarged and closed glands with contents in the form of accumulated secretory fluid.
The initial prerequisite is the process of inflammation of the vaginal region or cervical canal, as a result of which the excretory ducts of the glands suffer. They begin to become clogged, and the production of mucus, characteristic of the normal functioning of the glands, ceases. It is easy to guess that blockage of the ducts leads to an increase in its volume. In some cases, the neoplasm is also visible during a visual examination by a gynecologist, in other cases a colposcopic examination and a comprehensive ultrasound of the pelvic organs are performed.
Cervical cyst is a common disease, approximately 10-20% of women suffer from it.
Anatomical and physiological features
The shape of the cervix has a cylindrical shape. In the central part of the cylinder is the entrance to the cervical canal. From the inside, it is represented by a single-layer epithelium, in which there is a significant amount of glands producing a special secretory fluid. Outside, the cervix consists of a stratified squamous epithelium in which the glands are absent. The entrance to the cervical canal is adjacent to the special fusion zone of these two epithelial species. It is this specific zone that is the main place of localization of various pathological degenerations, including precancerous and cancerous conditions.
What are the causes of cysts on the cervix? Let's figure it out together.
Causes
Inflammatory processes are mainly the key prerequisite for the development of pathology. At the same time, the inflammatory processes themselves are mainly the result of infectious diseases, traumatic tissue damage due to artificial interruptions in pregnancy, childbirth, as well as the careless administration of intrauterine contraceptives and instrumental gynecological examinations.
Multiple cysts of the cervix are called "nabotovye cysts." From the point of view of a potential threat to the development of oncology, they do not constitute a danger. Also, they have no influence in terms of the development of hormonal disorders in the body of a woman and are not the cause of cystic formations in the ovaries.
Course of the disease
This education often has a passive-latent course and does not affect either the nature of the menstrual cycle or the course of pregnancy.
The only thing worth noting is that such endocervix cysts on the cervix can become, so to speak, a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, and this, in turn, often threatens the development of recurrent inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs - in the ovaries, in the fallopian tubes , on the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity, etc. Infertility and the threat of an ectopic pregnancy can result.
Varieties of cystic forms
There are two types of cystic formations: single and multiple cysts. We noted above that multiple cysts of the cervix are called “nabot cysts”. They are a consequence of ectopia, which is a process of blockage of the excretory ducts. Inside is a thin capsule, which is the place of accumulation of thick mucous secretions.
Endometrioid forms of uterine cysts are cysts with a characteristic bluish color, with foci of bleeding. They tend to increase in size shortly before the start of the next menstruation. These forms of cysts occur after the movement of endometrioid tissue to a surface that was previously injured. Inside such forms of cysts are represented by hemorrhagic contents.
Cyst and pregnancy
Cysts with a diameter of more than 10 mm in some cases can have a compressive effect on the cervical canal, which is a threat to the emergence of a mechanical factor of infertility, if not the main one.
A single cyst or multiple formations of this type do not pose a threat of gestation and do not affect the delivery process. Cyst treatment is carried out only after childbirth and only after the complete cessation of postpartum discharge. This usually occurs on average 7-8 weeks after delivery. It is important to note that cystic formations of the cervix are a contraindication to the introduction of intrauterine contraceptives.
What are the symptoms of cervical cysts?
Possible symptoms
Symptoms of cystic formations have a weakly expressed character, while menstrual irregularities and intermenstrual bleeding, as a rule, are absent. However, some women who have encountered this problem note that menstruation becomes longer, and the volume of blood discharge increases. Sometimes there are pain during intercourse.
Diagnostic methods
Taking into account the above-described features of mild symptomatology, the cyst is most often detected during visual gynecological examination, sometimes it can only be seen on an ultrasound scan or during colposcopic examination.
Diagnostic methods of examination are aimed not so much at the dynamics of monitoring cystic formations, but at identifying infectious processes of the cervix, cervical canal and in the vaginal environment. If signs of an inflammatory process are found in the smear, bacterioscopic examination of the smear is recommended.
Treatment of cervical cysts
We mentioned above more than once that the presence of cystic formations on the cervix does not pose a health hazard and, moreover, does not pose any threat to life and does not affect the general condition of the body. Some gynecologists tend to consider the presence of cysts as a variant of the norm and do not consider it necessary to prescribe any treatment at all.
Another part of gynecologists nevertheless considers the cyst as a source of a potential threat of complications, in particular, it can become a foci of suppuration. That is why it is recommended to remove it surgically.
Surgical intervention
Surgical removal is not indicated to everyone and not always, but only in cases where minimally traumatic methods can be dispensed with. Above we talked about the possible symptoms. Treatment of cervical cysts with various methods will be discussed later.
In the event that there is a purulent-inflammatory process of the cyst, a puncture is performed with the extraction of purulent contents with a subsequent course of antibacterial therapy. The process of extracting purulent contents is not a one-time procedure. It is carried out throughout the entire menstrual cycle, except for the days of the menstruation itself and three days before it begins. This limitation is due to the prevention of the risk of endometriosis (proliferation of tissue) of the cervix.
Cystic education
- Radio wave method. A method of treating cervical cysts with radio waves is carried out on the Surgitron apparatus. The procedure is completely harmless and is perfect for women who have not yet given birth. Treatment does not require hospitalization, is carried out on an outpatient basis and immediately after it the patient can go home.
With the help of radio wave surgery, excision of soft tissue is carried out, as well as their further coagulation. A special electrode is applied to the soft tissues using high-frequency radio waves. In simple words, heat is supplied. Thus, an incision is made in the tissues and the process of evaporation of the rejected cystic formation is ensured.
- Cryotherapy. Widespread is the practice of cauterization of cysts using liquid nitrogen. This procedure is called cryotherapy.
It is the cryotherapeutic method that is the most sparing, since it does not leave traces of scarring on the neck.
- Laser method for removing cysts on the cervix. Yet the most common is this method of therapy.
Its disadvantage can be called soreness, albeit very insignificant. Nevertheless, it is he who is the most effective, since it provides not only the process of cauterization of blood vessels, but also contributes to the effective stop of bleeding.
The method of laser therapy is indicated for nulliparous women, since the risk of complications after it is minimal from all existing ones.
- One can also note the diathermocoagulation method, which involves the removal of cystic formations using high-frequency currents. But this method is already outdated. After it remains rough scars, removal sites can even bleed for a while. In addition, it requires the use of general anesthesia and is a rather painful procedure. Its use can be justified in malignant neoplasms.
In modern medical practice, cysts are treated on an outpatient basis; placement in a hospital is not required. The procedure is short-lived, and the patients go home immediately after it.
The only thing worth noting is that there may be minor cutting pains in the lower abdomen within a few days after cauterization. After 10 days after cauterization, healing candles are prescribed, for example, “Depanthenol”.
A month later, a planned follow-up visit to the gynecologist is shown.
Within two weeks after the operation, there is a restriction on sexual activity, the adoption of hot water procedures, and it is also desirable to exclude intense physical activity.
Removal of cystic formations of the cervix does not affect the menstrual cycle and does not cause absolutely any hormonal changes and disorders in the body.
Training
Before starting treatment, a smear for flora and an analysis for latent infections must be carried out, and if an elevated level of leukocytes is found in the smear, as well as the presence of mycoplasma, ureoplasma and candida, they are pre-treated if necessary. This is done so that the healing process after the operation goes smoothly. Otherwise, the disturbed microflora will not contribute to the regeneration process.
Cysts, as we noted above, can have a recurrent nature. In this case, the use of homeopathic medicines and physiotherapeutic methods is recommended.
The presence of cervical cysts does not require a revision of lifestyle, reduced physical activity or any restrictions in terms of sexual contact, water procedures, warming procedures, etc.
Alternative treatment for cervical cysts
What are the drugs used to treat cysts?
It:
- Canadian yellow root - effective in cases where, due to stagnation of the secretion, inflammation began to spread through the cervical canal. Use it in the form of douching. One tablespoon is poured with 250 ml of boiling water, infused for 15 minutes, cools and is introduced into the vagina. The procedure can be repeated for a week.
- Burdock juice - the leaves need to be chopped. The resulting slurry is squeezed out, the juice is taken orally for 1 tsp. thrice a day.
- Boron uterus and red brush - often used in the treatment of female diseases.
- Harvesting herbs - a large number of plants have medicinal properties. Many of them are successfully used in the field of gynecology.
Folk remedies for cervical cysts can be very effective.