Retention cysts of the cervix

Due to the inflammatory process occurring in the vaginal part of the uterus, the excretory ducts may become blocked. As a result, closed and dilated glands with a significant accumulation of secretion are formed, called retention cysts of the cervix. Over time, their volume begins to increase, which requires immediate medical intervention.

ICD-10 code

The International Classification of Diseases also includes pathological neoplasms in the cervix. According to the ICD-10 code, retention cysts are classified as non-inflammatory lesions of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and broad ligament of the uterus. They are marked with a special number (N83). However, hydrosalpinx (N70.1) is not included here.

• N83.0 Follicular ovarian cyst. This category includes Graafian follicle cyst and hemorrhagic follicular ovarian cyst.
• N83.1 Corpus luteum cyst. This includes hemorrhagic corpus luteum cyst.
• N83.2 Other and unspecified cysts of ovary. Includes retention cyst, simple cyst and ovarian cyst. Exceptions are ovarian cysts resulting from abnormal development (Q50.1). This category does not include neoplastic cyst (D27) and polycystic ovary syndrome (E28.2).

Causes of Cervical Retention Cysts

The development of cysts can be affected by a violation of the outflow of mucus from the paracervical glands. The causes of the formation of retention cysts of the cervix are hidden in the presence of chronic and acute diseases of the reproductive system. They can develop due to non-compliance with the basic rules of personal hygiene between a man and a woman. Frequent change of sexual partner entails a change in microflora, which contributes to the development of inflammatory processes. Often this is affected by abortions, special intrauterine devices and careless examinations of the uterine cavity using instruments.

Cysts of this type are not inherited or transmitted through sexual contact. They cannot negatively affect a woman's hormonal background. This indicates that cysts do not change the standard menstrual cycle. For the same reason, they are not able to affect the intensity of bleeding.

If a cyst is present, a woman can give birth to a child; it does not affect pregnancy in any way and does not pose a danger during the natural birth process. Retention cysts are not capable of becoming malignant. Finally, they do not affect the intensity of physical activity.

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Pathogenesis

A retention cyst is a cellular formation in the cervix. In fact, it is an ordinary sac or, as it is called, a bubble, inside which a mucous secretion is located. It is formed due to blockage of the excretory duct. The mucous secretion is a "product" of the nabothian gland. This is the pathogenesis of this formation in the cervix.

Cysts are located in the vaginal third of the cervix. They are based on small glandular cells. Their main function is to produce secretion and form a protective layer of mucus. The negative impact of certain factors leads to blockage and exfoliation of epithelial cells. A closed duct does not allow secretion to exit, this process contributes to the development of a cyst.

A retention cyst can be either single or multiple. Sometimes neoplasms are localized in whole groups in the cervix. On average, the size of a cyst varies from several millimeters to centimeters.

Symptoms of Cervical Retention Cysts

This neoplasm in the cervix is not capable of manifesting itself. A woman can carry a cyst for years and not know about its existence. The resulting bubbles do not affect the woman's hormonal background at all. They are not capable of changing the menstrual cycle or affecting the intensity of bleeding. Retention cysts of the cervix do not have pronounced symptoms.

They can be detected only during a preventive gynecological examination. An experienced doctor can confirm the diagnosis. Externally, the cyst looks like a white mucous seal. It is located in the transformation zone of the cervix. The cyst is characterized by a small size.

Symptoms of its presence appear if a woman suffers from an endometrioid cyst. This may result in the appearance of bloody discharge a few days before the expected menstruation.

If a woman has not visited a gynecologist for a long time and the cyst has seriously developed, certain symptoms may appear. Bleeding not associated with menstruation often occurs. Pain in the lower abdomen may appear without any reason. Pain may be observed during sexual intercourse. Discharge may appear from the vagina without arousal. Such symptoms are extremely rare.

First signs

Retention cysts do not manifest themselves at all. Therefore, the first signs are absent. A gynecologist can notice the presence of a neoplasm during a standard preventive examination. A retention cyst is a small white seal. Its size can vary from a few millimeters to centimeters.

In cases where a woman suffers from an endometrioid cyst, the symptoms may manifest themselves. However, this is not associated with the retention neoplasm, but with the endometrioid cyst itself. When one pathology overlaps another, certain symptoms develop. The woman is bothered by bloody discharge not associated with menstruation. Sexual intercourse with a regular partner is accompanied by painful sensations. Pain in the lower abdomen and the appearance of strange discharge are possible. All this requires an immediate visit to the gynecologist.

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Multiple retention cysts of the cervix

This condition is caused by the influence of certain factors. Multiple retention cysts formed in the cervix are associated with special reasons. This process can be affected by cervical erosion that has not been completely cured. Mechanical trauma and termination of pregnancy often provoke a cyst. In most cases, multiple neoplasms are associated with hormonal imbalances. Retention cysts can develop against the background of menopause, infectious diseases and childbirth.

They can be detected during a preventive examination by a gynecologist. Cysts have no symptoms and do not affect a woman's well-being at all. Regular visits to a gynecologist will not only detect them in time, but also begin high-quality elimination. First of all, it is necessary to determine the reason why the cysts appeared. This will allow you to choose the right treatment aimed at eliminating the negative factor and the cyst itself.

Consequences

Retention cysts do not pose a threat to a woman's life. However, if the neoplasm is large, there is a risk of developing a chronic inflammatory process. Over time, it can move towards the uterine cavity. Therefore, timely removal of the cyst is the best solution. It can lead to deformation of the external os with further protrusion of the mucous membrane of the canal outward. This consequence will affect the quality of life of the fair sex.

The mucous membrane of the cervical canal does not have a good protective system. The rest of the vaginal part of the cervix is able to resist any deviations. This indicates that when the cyst grows and the situation worsens, it is the cervical canal that suffers. The inflammatory process in this area cannot subside, which leads to a general weakening of the cervix.

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Complications

If the cyst is large, there is a risk of maintaining the inflammatory process. In this case, the complication concerns the cervical canal of the cervix, in particular, its mucous membrane. This area does not have good protective functions, so the inflammatory process can not only persist there for a long time, but also worsen. Over time, this leads to the growth of the mucous membrane and the capture of new areas, including the uterine cavity.

The inflammatory process affects the weakening of the protective functions of the cervix. As a result, mechanisms can be activated, the action of which can lead to precancerous changes. In this case, the risk of developing cervical cancer increases.

It is up to the woman to decide whether to remove the cyst or not. It is her choice and no one can insist on surgical intervention. However, it is important to understand that if the situation worsens, there is a risk of developing cancerous tumors.

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Diagnosis of retention cysts of the cervix

Diagnostic procedures do not cause any difficulties. First of all, a standard examination of the woman is carried out using special mirrors. If a cyst is suspected, the doctor sends the patient for additional examinations. Diagnosis of a retention cyst of the cervix involves taking a general blood and urine test. Thanks to them, it is possible to determine the quantitative composition of the main components in the "raw material". An increase in the number of leukocytes indicates the development of an inflammatory process.

In addition, a blood test is taken for STDs, hormones and tumor markers. It is necessary to exclude the possibility of developing a malignant neoplasm. The microflora of the cervix is also subject to examination. Cytological and histological examination is aimed at studying a tissue particle obtained from the site of the inflammatory process. Along with this, an ultrasound of the pelvic organs is performed.

All diagnostic measures are aimed at determining the main reason for the development of the cyst. After all, in most cases it is associated with the presence of gynecological pathology and its complicated course.

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Tests

Before prescribing high-quality and correct treatment, it is necessary to undergo a series of diagnostic tests. Thanks to blood and urine tests, you can learn about the root causes of this process and identify possible complications.

The first step is to take a smear. This will allow you to refute/confirm the probability of precancerous changes. In most cases, a cervical biopsy is necessary. It will allow you to clarify the preliminary diagnosis.

The woman will have to undergo tests for sexually transmitted infections. A smear is taken from the external os of the cervix. This will allow us to determine its flora.

The results of the tests will show why the cyst appeared and how it should be removed. However, to make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to resort to differential and instrumental diagnostics.

Instrumental diagnostics

A special place is given to ultrasound examination. In instrumental diagnostics, ultrasound takes one of the leading places. It is prescribed in almost 100% of all cases. Naturally, if necessary, ultrasound is combined with other equally effective diagnostic methods. These include: colposcopy, vaginal smears and examination of the pelvic organs.

Ultrasound allows you to detect any abnormalities, including changes in the structure of the tissues of the cervix. The action of this method is aimed at tracking the blood supply to the pelvic organs, their size and the presence of neoplasms.

Ultrasound of the cervix is practically no different from ultrasound of the uterus itself. During the examination, a special gel is applied to the woman's lower abdomen, after which a special sensor is moved there. If it is possible to do a transvaginal examination, the pelvic organs are examined from the inside. This method is used if external ultrasound does not allow obtaining an accurate picture of what is happening. If a cyst is suspected, an ultrasound examination is mandatory.

Differential diagnostics

Diagnostic measures for detecting a cyst are aimed at determining the cause of its occurrence and confirming the main diagnosis. Differential diagnostics include blood and urine tests for leukopenia. An increased number of leukocytes indicates the development of an inflammatory process.

Along with this, a blood test is conducted for hormones and tumor markers. This will help to exclude precancerous changes in the cervix. In addition to the blood test, a smear is taken for flora. This is especially important if the woman does not have a regular partner.

If a cyst is detected during a visual examination, cytological and histological examinations are performed to confirm its benignity. They are aimed at studying a piece of material from the site of the inflammatory process. Based on differential and instrumental diagnostics, an accurate diagnosis can be made.

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Treatment of retention cysts of the cervix

Retention cysts can only be removed surgically. No medications will help in this case. The most modern and effective methods are used to remove the cellular neoplasm. Treatment of retention cysts of the cervix can be carried out by: electrocoagulation, cryocoagulation, excision using a laser, endoscopic removal and radio wave therapy.

The method of cyst removal is chosen by the doctor, based on the general condition of the patient and the prevalence of the cyst. Treatment is selected on an individual basis. This is influenced by the results of diagnostic studies. Thanks to them, an effective method of cyst removal can be selected. After surgery, the patient takes drug therapy. Most often, doctors prescribe the following groups of drugs: antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Along with taking medications, it is necessary to correct the diet, resort to the help of therapeutic exercise and general strengthening measures.

Medicines

Drug therapy is aimed at accelerating the healing process and relieving the inflammatory process. In this case, treatment involves the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. To activate the healing process, intravaginal suppositories are used, in particular Depantol. Effective antibiotics include: Ceftriaxone, Erythromycin and Ketoconazole. Anti-inflammatory therapy involves the use of: Viferon, Cyproperon and Genferon.

• Depantol. Suppositories are used twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. One suppository is enough to achieve the required therapeutic effect. They should be used 10 days after the surgery. The duration of therapy is 7-10 days. The product cannot be used if there is intolerance to its main components. It may lead to the development of an allergic reaction.
• Ceftriaxone. The drug can be used both intramuscularly and intravenously. The dosage is prescribed individually, this also applies to the duration of therapy. The drug cannot be used in case of hypersensitivity and liver and kidney failure. The drug can lead to the development of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. However, side effects are extremely rare.
• Erythromycin. Before using the drug, it is necessary to test the sensitivity of the microflora to it. The dose of the drug is prescribed individually. Usually the dosage is 0.25 mg 4-6 times a day. The drug cannot be used in case of renal failure and hypersensitivity. May lead to the development of gastrointestinal disorders.
• Ketoconazole. The drug is taken once a day. The duration of therapy is prescribed by the attending physician. The drug should not be used in case of hypersensitivity, during pregnancy and liver failure. It can lead to the development of allergic reactions and gastrointestinal disorders.
• Viferon, Kiproperon and Genferon. These drugs have the same effect and are used in a certain dosage. They are used in the form of suppositories once a day. The duration of therapy does not exceed 10 days. The drugs cannot be used in case of hypersensitivity to their main components. They can lead to the development of allergic reactions.

Folk remedies

It is possible to eliminate retention cysts using folk methods. However, you should not use them without the approval of your doctor. Folk treatment can mainly be used after surgical removal of the cyst.

• Recipe #1. Boil 7 eggs and remove the yolks. Mix them in crushed form with a glass of pumpkin seeds, ground into powder. Add 500 ml of vegetable oil to the resulting mixture. Simmer all of this in a water bath and take one teaspoon daily.
• Recipe #2. Burdock has a wonderful effect on cyst resorption. To prepare an effective remedy, take the leaves of a fresh plant and grind them. You will need not the burdock itself, but its juice. It must be taken for a month. One teaspoon 2-3 times a day is enough.
• Recipe #3. Acacia has excellent properties. If you use it together with burdock, the effect will be much better. To prepare the tincture, mix 2 tablespoons of acacia with a glass of alcohol. The remedy must be infused for 10 days, shaking periodically. The resulting infusion is filtered and used one tablespoon up to 3 times a day. The duration of therapy is one month.

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Herbal treatment

Aloe has proven to be particularly effective in combating pathological processes in the cervix. The essence of the treatment is the use of tampons soaked in the juice of the plant. Aloe has a pronounced reparative effect. It can eliminate not only a cyst, but also help in the fight against cervical erosion. Herbal treatment should also be accompanied by a specialist's approval.

Burdock also has an excellent effect. It is advisable to use not its leaves, but roots. A decoction is prepared from them, in which tampons are moistened, later used as suppositories. Burdock has a pronounced tanning effect on the cervical epithelium.

Snakeweed has proven itself well. It has a pronounced contractile effect on the cervix. However, its treatment is symptomatic. Common wormwood has similar properties. It is used in the form of tampons. However, there is a risk of developing a burn.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic treatment is always aimed at healing the entire body. In the presence of a cyst, homeopathy allows you to eliminate the causes that led to the development of the pathological process. In most cases, this is preceded by a hormonal imbalance. Before using homeopathic drugs, you must consult a doctor.

An experienced homeopathic doctor should conduct an individual examination of the patient. Including hormone tests. This will allow choosing the right and effective drug. Homeopathic remedies should have a beneficial effect on the patient's body and restore its normal functioning.

When the hormonal balance is normalized, the cyst can retreat on its own. However, this is not always possible. It is unlikely to be possible to do without surgical intervention. Homeopathic remedies can be used as supportive therapy after the removal of the pathological formation.

Surgical treatment

After an accurate diagnosis is made, the doctor chooses the main method of removing the cyst. This is done exclusively by surgical means. A retention cyst cannot be resolved under the influence of any medications. Surgical treatment in this case is the most appropriate solution. There is no need to worry about this. Modern methods of removal will allow the operation to be performed quickly and minimize the likelihood of complications.

The whole process is as follows. First, the doctor prepares the patient for the operation. Then the cyst is punctured and its contents are removed. Then everything is treated with a special solution and after a few hours the patient can go home on her own. Staying in a hospital is not implied. There are no complications after the surgery. For 2 days, discharge may be observed, which can change its shade to yellowish. After 7 days, everything will pass without a trace. To speed up the healing process, 10 days after the operation, the patient should use special suppositories.

Cervical cyst removal can be performed using several methods.

• Cauterization. This method is the most popular. As a result, the cyst is cauterized using various medications.
• Radio wave method. This method is relatively new. It is often prescribed to women planning pregnancy. The cyst is removed using a high-frequency radio wave. Then comes treatment with special preparations.
• Laser method. It is performed using a device that generates a laser beam. At the same time, it does not contact the mucous membrane of the cervix at all. This method is not used very often.
• Cryotherapy. This method of treatment is based on the effect of low temperatures and liquid nitrogen. This process is not accompanied by painful sensations. In modern clinics, it is used quite often.

Prevention

In addition to treating cysts, one should not forget about preventive measures. They are aimed at preventing the development of this process. Prevention should be carried out if a woman suffers from an irregular menstrual cycle, has uterine bleeding and constantly changes in pressure. Representatives of the fair sex who suffer from edema, frequent mood swings are at risk. All this indicates the presence of a hormonal imbalance. If it is not eliminated in time, the possibility of developing cysts cannot be ruled out.

If any negative symptoms from the reproductive system appear, you should consult a doctor. This will help identify the underlying cause of this condition and begin effective treatment.

It is necessary to carefully monitor your own health. Self-medication is absolutely forbidden. It can worsen the situation.

Forecast

With timely and correct treatment, there is no danger to the woman's life. Usually the prognosis is favorable. If the cyst was discovered during a preventive examination and did not have time to develop, it is quickly and efficiently eliminated. For this, surgical removal methods are used.

If the cyst has developed and led to an extensive inflammatory process, there is a risk of a precancerous condition. In this case, the cyst must be removed immediately. But before that, special studies are carried out. They are necessary to confirm/refute the development of a precancerous process.

In most cases, a retention cyst does not cause any inconvenience to a woman. Its presence does not affect the menstrual cycle or bearing a child. Moreover, a woman can easily give birth with a cyst. Therefore, the prognosis is generally favorable.

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