Montgomery's Tubercles: Definition, Causes, Purpose & More (2024)

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Oct 20, 23 6 min

Montgomery's Tubercles: Definition, Causes, Purpose & More (1)

By OBGYN Dr. Kenosha Gleaton

From cracked nipples to tender breasts, it’s normal to have questions about the many breast changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum. Let’s talk about Montgomery’s tubercles and what they look like, their purpose, and what issues to look out for.

What Are Montgomery's Tubercles?

Have you ever noticed the small bumps that are found on the surface of the areola? What you’re seeing is most likely Montgomery’s tubercles, also referred to as the glands of Montgomery. [1] These small bumps are actually the openings of sebaceous (oil) glands and can aid in breastfeeding. [1] Some people will have noticeable Montgomery tubercles prior to pregnancy, while others may not notice the bumps until pregnancy or postpartum. Montgomery tubercles can range in color and may blend in with the areola or have a red, white, or yellow appearance. It’s common for people to have more tubercles on one breast than the other.

Why Are They Called Montgomery's Tubercles?

Montgomery’s tubercles are named after an obstetrician, William Featherstone Montgomery. Professor Montgomery published a book focused on breast changes during pregnancy, which included areolar changes as well as the presence of Montgomery’s glands. [2]

The term “tubercle” refers to a small rounded projection or nodule attached to bone, membrane, or skin. The appearance of the gland openings as small nodules or bumps on the breast is where the name Montgomery’s Tubercles originated. [3]

Causes and Occurrences of Montgomery's Tubercles

So what causes the tubercles to appear? We actually have oil glands all over our bodies, including the scalp, face, underarms, etc. In fact, the only places we do not have oil glands are the palms, soles, and dorsum of the feet. [4] So the glands have always been present, but the openings to the glands, or the small bumps you can see on your areola, may only appear during certain times. While some people always have noticeable bumps, up to 50% of people report an increased appearance of Montgomery’s tubercles during pregnancy. [5] It’s also possible to not have noticeable tubercles at all.

Aside from pregnancy and breastfeeding, Montgomery’s tubercles may make an appearance as a result of [6]:

  • Puberty
  • The normal menstrual cycle
  • Stress
  • Medications
  • Change in temperature
  • Arousal of the nipple

The Purpose of Montgomery's Tubercles

The purpose of all sebaceous glands is to produce and secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps to lubricate the skin, protect against friction, transport antioxidants, protect against light, aid in inflammatory functions, healing, and more. [4] This is especially helpful when breastfeeding as the sebum may aid in healing sore or cracked nipples, lubricating the nipple and areola, and protecting yourself and your baby from certain infections. [4]

Further research on the purpose of Montgomery’s tubercles also suggests that the smell of the sebum produced may actually attract a baby to the breast, making it easier to initiate breastfeeding. [7-8] Studies show that newborns are able to differentiate between the scent of Montgomery’s gland secretions and other human, mammalian, and artificial stimuli.

Montgomery's Tubercles and Pregnancy

Pregnancy symptoms and changes within the body can vary greatly from person to person. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms or have the same timeline. That being said, breast changes are a common symptom of pregnancy and postpartum that can sometimes be a primary indicator of pregnancy. [9] If you are ever concerned about breast changes during pregnancy, be sure to speak to your healthcare provider.

Potential Issues and Concerns

In some cases, the changes that come with pregnancy and postpartum may also lead to complications. With added use and stress on the nipple, it’s normal to experience dried skin, cracking, and soreness, especially if you’re new to breastfeeding or are nearing the end of your pregnancy. [10] It’s important to know what warning signs to look out for so you can get treatment for an infection or complication quickly. If you ever notice that your breast is red, inflamed, warm to the touch, painful, or if you’re having difficulty with your let-down reflex, you should speak to a healthcare provider. Conditions such as mastitis, clogged ducts, and thrush are commonly seen while breastfeeding. There have also been reports of cysts developing from an obstruction of Montgomery’s tubercles. Not only can one of these complications lead to pain and discomfort, but they can interfere with feeding your baby. Keep in mind that it is normal to experience some discomfort from time to time as you adjust to postpartum life, but it’s always a good idea to run any new symptoms by your provider. Learn if you can take ibuprofen while breastfeeding →

Can I Remove Montgomery's Tubercles?

If you’re unhappy with some of the physical changes your body has gone through since becoming pregnant, you’re not alone. There are a lot of things that are out of our control when we’re growing a tiny human. It’s perfectly normal to have mixed feelings about these changes, but when you can, try and remind yourself of the amazing things your body has and continues to accomplish. Some changes may also revert back to their pre-pregnancy state as time goes on. All this being said, it is possible to get a surgical procedure to remove Montgomery’s tubercles, but you should speak to your provider about what surgery might mean for your current or future plans to breastfeed. [11]

Embracing Natural Changes with Natalist

It can be hard to keep up with all the physical and physiological changes you experience during your fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journeys. Even though many of these changes are out of our control, we can still appreciate our bodies for getting us through the many beautiful, difficult, and tender moments of life. Shop self-care products includingBelly Oilor Cooling Cream to pamper yourself.

References:

  1. Khan YS, Sajjad H. Anatomy, Thorax, Mammary Gland. [Updated 2023 July 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547666/
  2. O'Sullivan JF. Two hundred years of midwifery 1806-2006. Ulster Med J. 2006;75(3):213-222.
  3. Vorvick, L. Dugdale, D. Tubercle. MedlinePlus National Library of Medicine. February 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002333.htm
  4. Makrantonaki E, Ganceviciene R, Zouboulis C. An update on the role of the sebaceous gland in the pathogenesis of acne. Dermatoendocrinol. 2011;3(1):41-49. doi:10.4161/derm.3.1.13900
  5. Kumari R, Jaisankar T J, Thappa DM. A clinical study of skin changes in pregnancy. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2007;73:141
  6. Aranda-Gutierrez A, Diaz-Perez HM. Histology, Mammary Glands. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547732/
  7. Shah R, Sabir S, Alhawaj AF. Physiology, Breast Milk. [Updated 2022 Sep 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539790/
  8. Doucet S, Soussignan R, Sagot P, Schaal B. The secretion of areolar (Montgomery's) glands from lactating women elicits selective, unconditional responses in neonates. PLoS One. 2009;4(10):e7579. Published 2009 Oct 23. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0007579
  9. Motosko CC, Bieber AK, Pomeranz MK, Stein JA, Martires KJ. Physiologic changes of pregnancy: A review of the literature. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017;3(4):219-224. Published 2017 Oct 21. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.09.003
  10. Am I Pregnant? Cleveland Clinic. July 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant
  11. Raj, Roshini. Gallagher, C. What Are Montgomery Tubercles? Health.com. May 2023. https://www.health.com/condition/skin-conditions/montgomery-tubercles

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Montgomery's Tubercles: Definition, Causes, Purpose & More (2024)

FAQs

What are Montgomery's glands and what is their purpose? ›

The Montgomery glands are a combination of milk glands and sebaceous glands. They can release a small amount of breast milk, but they mostly produce a natural, oily substance that cleans and lubricates the nipple and areola.

How to make Montgomery glands go away? ›

The tubercles will usually shrink or disappear completely on their own following pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you aren't pregnant or breastfeeding and want the tubercles removed, your doctor may recommend surgery. This is a cosmetic option, and may be recommended if they are causing pain or inflammation.

What happens if you squeeze Montgomery glands? ›

You should avoid squeezing, popping or trying to unclog Montgomery glands because this could lead to infection or skin injury. Sometimes, Montgomery glands can become blocked, inflamed or infected. The signs would be a painful swelling or inflammation around the nipple and areolar area.

What is the purpose of the bumps on nipples? ›

Areolar glands, or Montgomery glands, are present in the areola. The raised bumps a person may notice on the areola are part of the glands. According to the National Health Service (NHS), these are normal. They produce an oily fluid that helps keep the nipple moist and protected.

Can you have Montgomery glands removed? ›

Healthcare providers don't typically advise removing them. Still, if you want to get rid of Montgomery tubercles for cosmetic reasons, you can opt for a surgical procedure. Surgically removing the bumps from your areolas may cause scarring.

Why are my Montgomery glands clogged? ›

Overzealous use of nipple creams can cause clogging, if they don't allow the glands to breathe, says Walker. Clogging can also occur if skin cells can get caught in a Montgomery gland, or if tight-fitting clothing doesn't allow the skin to breathe, adds Herrine.

Why did my Montgomery glands disappear? ›

"Once you're finished breastfeeding, or soon after birth if you're not breastfeeding, Montgomery glands shrink again. They may not completely go back to the way they were before pregnancy, though," Shand explains.

What is Paget's disease of the breast? ›

Paget's disease of the nipple, also known as Paget's disease of the breast, is a rare condition associated with breast cancer. It causes eczema-like changes to the skin of the nipple and the area of darker skin surrounding the nipple (areola). It's usually a sign of breast cancer in the tissue behind the nipple.

How to reduce areola size? ›

Areola reduction surgery is a relatively simple day surgery procedure that can reduce the diameter of one or both of your areolas. The excess pigmented skin is simply cut away so that a smaller and more appropriately-shaped areola is left behind. The height of your nipples can also be reduced, if desired.

Do Montgomery glands smell? ›

Named after Irish obstetrician William Fetherstone Montgomery,2 the Montgomery tubercles — sebaceous glands found on the breasts, emit an aroma which attracts new-born infants to their mother's breasts and entices them to breastfeed.

When I squeeze my nipples Why do I see white spots? ›

A white spot on the nipple usually occurs in breastfeeding women, but can occur at other times. It is also referred to as a blocked nipple pore, a bleb or a milk blister. It is usually about the size of a pinhead or a little larger. The skin surrounding the white spot may be red and inflamed.

Can Montgomery glands get bigger? ›

Montgomery tubercles are tiny sebaceous glands around the areolas that help to keep the nipples moisturized. These small lumps often get bigger during pregnancy, nursing, puberty, menopause, and menstrual periods. This is typically healthy and normal. Sometimes, Montgomery tubercles get infected or clogged.

What do Montgomery tubercles look like? ›

Montgomery tubercles look like small, raised bumps on your areolas. The number of bumps varies from person to person. Some women don't have any, while others have more than 20. Sometimes they fill up with a waxy substance, so they can occasionally look like a pimple with a white or yellowish head.

What are the little black dots on my nipples? ›

A small blood retention, a little clot, is produced behind the nipple pore, which does not come out when the baby suckles. For the first few days, the blood blister is red and very bright, but as the days go by, the blood degenerates and, like a bruise, becomes darker and ends up being black.

Why do my nipples look glossy? ›

Symptoms of nipple thrush include: itchy, flaky, or shiny skin on the areola or nipples.

What is the liquid coming out of my Montgomery glands? ›

Montgomery's glands are large sebaceous glands capable of secreting milk; they represent an intermediate stage between the sweat and the mammary glands.

What are mammary glands and why are they important? ›

The mammary gland is a highly evolved and specialized organ developing on each side of the anterior chest wall. This organ's primary function is to secrete milk. Though the gland is present in both sexes, it is well-developed in females but rudimentary in males.

Which of the following correctly describes the purpose of Montgomery glands? ›

The nipple is surrounded by the circular pigmented areola, in which are located Montgomery's glands. These glands secrete an oily fluid that protects the skin of the nipple and areola during lactation, and produce the mother's individual scent that attracts her baby to the breast.

What are the glands of the Montgomery male? ›

In addition, it is suggested that men lack Montgomery glands. However, they may suffer from sebaceous gland hyperplasia (2, 3). On the other hand, the two conditions are histologically indistinguishable. In both conditions, numerous sebaceous glands are arranged around a central follicle on the areola.

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