ABSTRACT
The cervix uteri is the lower part of the uterus. This cylindrical-shaped muscular structure is about three–five cm in length and partly lies in the upper vagina, extending behind the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is composed mainly of involuntary muscle superiorly and fibrous connective tissue inferiorly. Nabothian cysts represent a common cause of cervical swelling. These mucinous retention cysts occur very frequently and are the result of spontaneous ‘healing’ of cervical eversion by squamous metaplasia, which covers over and obstructs endocervical glands. They are translucent or opaque, white or yellow lesions ranging from two mm to ten mm in size. In non-infectious cervicitis, a swollen, erythematous, and friable cervix with an associated purulent endocervical discharge may develop. This may be secondary to insults, such as chemical irritation, copper-containing intrauterine contraceptive devices, inappropriate tampon use, pessaries, surgical instrumentation, and therapeutic intervention.
