I don't know if this will help but using nurbs if you create a nurb circle select it and the the curve and use surfaces extrude then in the component editor change the fixed path to "on" and the Use component Pivot to "Component Pivot" this will create a nurbs cylinder following the exact path you have set as cylinder diameter will also be dependant on the diameter of the circle so you will be able using the nurbs circle and the curve be able to adjust the cylinder as you wish.

Adam