Large Multilocular Cystic Lesions in the Uterine Cervix: Differential Diagnosis and Significance

Cervical nabothian cysts are common in women of reproductive age. Although cysts are generally small and asymptomatic, large ones are extremely rare and may be misdiagnosed as malignancy.

We report a case of large multiple complex nabothian cyst, which was suspected as malignant one on imaging and examination. Pelvic examination and ultrasonography revealed ballooned cervix with multiple large complex nabothian follicles. There was an associated large adnexal mass with ascites. The patient was treated with total hysterectomy and omentectomy after aspiration of the fluid from the cervical cysts for debulking and limiting complications. Pathology revealed granulosa cell ovarian tumor, omental panniculitis, and cervical nabothian follicles.

Large nabothian cysts should be kept in mind for differential diagnosis of cervical tumors. Ultrasonography is of value for the diagnosis of giant nabothian cysts and can aid in exclusion of malignancy. Differentiation between a malignant cystic lesion, such as an adenoma malignum, and a benign cystic lesion is crucial but difficult. Cervical nabothian follicles can be multiple and attain a large size up to 4 cm each. It is commonly benign but we should keep in mind the rare adenoma malignum on imaging and histopathology.