tunnel cluster
Tunnel cluster (TC) is a type of nabothian cyst characterized by complex multicystic dilatation of the endocervical glands.
Epidemiology
Tunnel cluster is found in ~8% of adult women, 40% of whom are pregnant, almost exclusively multigravid women, and older than 30 years.
Clinical presentation
They may occasionally cause mucoid discharge.
Pathology
A tunnel cluster is more likely the result of a stimulatory phenomenon occurring during pregnancy that can persist for a variable period. It is a benign pseudoneoplastic glandular lesion of the cervix and is usually comprised of a rounded aggregate of 20-50 closely packed tubules of varying sizes.
Subtypes
Tunnel clusters can be characterized as:
- type A: non-cystic
- type B: cystic - cystic endocervical tunnel cluster (CETC)
Treatment and prognosis
Tunnel clusters are supposed to be involutional in nature and are usually of no clinical significance .
History and etymology
They were first described by Fluhmann in 1961 .
Differential diagnosis
On imaging appearances consider:
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