Montgomery Tubercles: Causes, Symptoms, Cyst and Treatment

Montgomery tubercles are the little bumps that you may detect surrounding your nipples, and yes, they are quite normal. Montgomery tubercles lubricate, shield, and support your breasts when breastfeeding.

Montgomery tubercles affect about 9% of females. Different people have different numbers of bumps on them; some may have a few, while others may have a dozen or more.

Everything you need to know about Montgomery tubercles is covered here, including their appearance, how they become infected, and whether or not they should be removed. 

Your hair will become oily if you don't wash it for a few days. That's what sebaceous glands, often called oil glands, are for. Sebaceous glands may be found all over your body, but they are particularly prevalent in the dark, circular skin areas called areolas that surround your nipples. 

The sebaceous glands on your areolas are called Montgomery tubercles, after the obstetrician William Fetherstone Montgomery. Like the sebaceous glands on your scalp and throughout your body, montgomercles moisturize your areolas to keep them from drying up.

The following are some benefits of Montgomery tubercles:

• Attracting infants to the nipples using smell to help in breastfeeding
• Maintaining the purity of breast milk
• Avoid having your nipples cracked or chapped
• Lubricating the skin to prevent infection  

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How Do Montgomery Tubercles Look?

Have you ever had a fear or shiver that ran so deep down your arms that you got goosebumps? Those bumps may resemble Montgomery tubercles.

Montgomery tubercles are generally one to two mm in size. They might be the same color as your areola, or they can be red, white, or yellow. Moreover, sometimes one breast has more of those bumps than the other.

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What Causes Montgomery Tubercles to Develop?

Many factors can lead to the development of Montgomery tubercles, such as:

• Penis ennervation
• Differences in weight
• Hormonal changes
• Cold weather 
• Medications
• Stress 
• Wearing too-tight clothes
• Pregnancy

However, in general, menstrual cycle phases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and puberty are linked to Montgomery tubercles.

Pregnancy

Breast and nipple alterations are among the most common early signs of pregnancy. Breasts often experience sensitivity, enlargement, and swelling beyond usual. Furthermore, if you are pregnant, Montgomery's tubercles may become visible.

Nonetheless, not every expectant mother has Montgomery tubercles. Likewise, the emergence of fresh nodules around your nipples does not always signify that you are pregnant.

Get a pregnancy test at home or visit a doctor if you experience Montgomery tubercles and other early pregnancy symptoms. Early pregnancy symptoms include changes to your breasts and nipples as well as fatigue, spotting, and morning sickness. 

Puberty and the Menstrual Cycle

Hormonal changes that occur throughout puberty and the menstrual cycle also cause Montgomery tubercles to form in the area of the nipples. Your body generates more estrogen throughout puberty, ovulation, and before menstruation. An increase in estrogen facilitates the development of Montgomery tubercles more readily. 

Breastfeeding and Montgomery tubercle

When your breasts swell during pregnancy and lactation, the Montgomery tubercles enlarge to produce more oil to lubricate your areolas. The glands also facilitate healthy breastfeeding. By lubricating your areolas, you may prevent bacteria from entering your breast milk and harming your infant.

Those natural oils also prevent dryness and injury to your nipples. You can also dab some lanolin, a moisturizing ointment, over your nipples to prevent harm when nursing. if you happen to be a nurse. Because soap dries out nipples, avoid washing your breasts with it.

Montgomery tubercles provide a smell that attracts your infant to your breast, making feeding easier. When compared to the secretions of non-related lactating females, the nursing female's secretions strengthened the baby's reaction to breastfeeding, boosting the baby's heart rate and breathing only a little bit.

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Can Montgomery Tubercles Become Infected?

Like stubborn zits, you might decide to pop Montgomery tubercles to get rid of them quickly. However, bursting might lead to infections.

Other factors that increase your risk of infection include the following:

• Diabetes 
• A nipple piercing
• Montgomery tubercles caused by smoking 
• Get clogged or inflamed, especially if you touch your nipples
• Use certain lotions or moisturizers
• Wear clothing that is too tight.

Symptoms of an infection include:

• Feeling generally unwell or exhausted; fever, chills, and pus; bleeding, discharge, or itching from a lump
• A painful, swollen bump near the nipples
• Antibiotics are used to treat infections. Additionally, it could be required to open and drain the impacted area. In the doctor's office, topical medicine may be administered to numb the affected area. If the sickness recurs, surgery could be necessary to remove the affected gland.

In rare cases, pus, blood, or discharge may be signs of breast cancer, particularly in cases where Montgomery tubercle infections are present.10. In addition to the signs of an infection, you should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Changes to one or both of your breasts, including changes to the nipple forms, discharge from your nipples that isn't related to breastfeeding
• Hard, aching nodules on your chest
• Orange-peel-like skin on your breasts, often known as "dimpling,"
• Swollen lymph nodes behind your arms
• Weight loss

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What Is a Montgomery Cyst?

Congested Montgomery tubercles can give rise to Montgomery cysts. Teenagers with similar cysts are usually seen by medical specialists. Montgomery cysts are uncommon, benign, and often go away on their own.

Still, if the Montgomery cysts get infected, consult a physician. They may use a syringe and needle to empty the cyst to eliminate the infection.

Also Read: Physiological Changes During Pregnancy

Is It Necessary to Remove Montgomery Tubercles?

Montgomery tubercles are prevalent and offer various benefits to expectant mothers and nursing mothers. Medical experts often advise against getting rid of them.

But if you want to get rid of Montgomery tubercles for cosmetic reasons, surgery is a possibility. Your areolas may get scared when the tumors are surgically removed. Consult a physician about eliminating Montgomery

Also Read: Cervical Mucus: Role in Fertilization, Types, Uses

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