Term
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Definition
| mucus-filled cyst on the surface of the cervix |
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Term
| What type of cells line the cervical canal? What is their function? |
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Definition
| Glandular cells line the cervical canal. They secrete mucus. |
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Term
T or F
Metaplasia is normal. |
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Definition
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Term
| What occurs during metaplasia? |
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Definition
| Cervical cells convert from mucus-secreting glandular cells to skin-like (squamous) cells. |
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Term
| How are nabothian cysts formed? |
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Definition
| Sometimes the squamous cells cover the unconverted glandular cells and trap their secretions. The secretions accumulate and cause the mucus-filled cysts seen on exam. |
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Term
| Which groups of women are most commonly affected by nabothian cysts? |
|
Definition
* history of childbirth
* perimenopausal
* postmenopausal
* history of chronic cervicitis |
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Term
| What is the clinical presentation of nabothian cysts? |
|
Definition
* no observable symptoms (unless cysts are VERY large)
* observe fluid filled cysts on exam, tiny bumps on cervix
* 2-10 mm in diameter
* mucus color ranges from pale yellow to amber |
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Term
| Differential diagnoses r/t nabothian cysts |
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Definition
- cancerous and precancerous lesions
- cervicitis
- embryologic remnants (Gartner's ducts) |
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Term
| Where on the cervix will nabothian cysts be located? |
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Definition
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Term
T or F
Prominent large vessels overlying the epithelial surface of the cyst is a normal finding. |
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Definition
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Term
| What is the appropriate course of action to follow if you are not absolutely sure the lesion is a nabothian cyst? |
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Definition
| Order or perform a colposcopy |
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Term
| Are biopsies necessary during colposcopy to identify nabothian cysts? |
|
Definition
| No, typically biopsies are not needed. |
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Term
| When is it appropriate to biopsy a nabothian cyst? |
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Definition
| If a cyst continues to look abnormal during the colpo, biopsy the cyst to distinguish it from rare forms of mucus-producing cancer. |
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|
Term
T or F
Nabothian cysts are precancerous. |
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Definition
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Term
| Are nabothian cysts typically a short term or long term finding? |
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Definition
| Nabothian cysts are usually long term and they can enlarge over time. |
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Term
| What is the treatment for nabothians? |
|
Definition
- no specific indication for treatment
- if the cysts cause discomfort/pt requests treatment/cervix becomes enlarged, curative options are electrocautery and cryotherapy |
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Term
| What education should be provided to patients regarding the prevention of nabothian cysts? |
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Definition
| None. Nabothian cysts are normal and there is no known prevention. |
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Term
| Can NPs manage a finding of nabothian cysts or is a referral required for diagnosis? |
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Definition
| - NPs can handle this. However, if you are unsure of the diagnosis and need verification, refer for colposcopy and collaborate appropriately. |
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