Montgomery glands are the rudimentary (non-functional) mammary glands that are located in the area of the halo of the chest. Their number in different women varies from 3-4 to 30 in the region of one gland. These formations are named after their discoverer, Irish obstetrician-gynecologist Montgomery.
We can say that this structure is a modified sebaceous gland, which secrets a special secret that moisturizes and protects the mammary gland. Montgomery tubercles are believed to become especially noticeable during pregnancy. Some gynecologists consider them the first sign of pregnancy, but there is a group of women whose nodules appear before childbirth. Thus, this feature cannot be considered absolute. As a rule, after childbirth, the glands gradually decrease in size and are almost invisible by the end of the lactation period.
However, Montgomery tubercles can persist after childbirth, and this is not considered a pathology. Such women need to pay more attention to caring for the mammary glands and protect themselves from inflammatory diseases of the breast.
Today, there are many opinions about the purpose of the peritoneal glands, scientists around the world can not come to a consensus. The fact is that the separable secretion of the glands is so unique that it is very difficult to recreate its formula.
There are examples when in women with narrow thoracic ducts or with difficulties in separating milk, Montgomery tubercles also begin to miss the secretion of glands. This phenomenon helps to preserve the natural feeding of the baby. Perhaps the glands begin to secrete milk on their own, or small chest ducts open in them, but the fact remains.
Most often, a special lubricant is secreted from the glands, which facilitates the sucking process, softens and moisturizes the nipple and halo, which prevents possible inflammatory diseases of the gland and helps the baby during feeding. It is believed that women with a sufficient number of paranasal glands (10-15) are much less likely to suffer from cracks and inflammation of the halo and nipple.
In addition, Montgomery nodules have a positive effect on the baby's sense of smell. Scientists concluded that the more the mother has the perosal glands, the better and longer the baby eats breast milk. Such children grow up with a stable immune system, get sick less, are more mentally balanced.
With improper breast care or with a general inflammatory process, nodules can suppurate and cause a lot of discomfort. A woman should know that if the tubercles begin to increase in size, turn red and yellow-gray contents stand out from them, then you need to see a doctor. If treatment is started on time, then nothing serious will happen. But in a situation where the gland is suppurating and the process spreads, an abscess may develop (and surgical treatment will be required).
In the mild case, when one or two glands are suppurating, it is quite enough to apply lotions with chamomile or aloe two or three times a day. You can treat the glands with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or other disinfectants, but not alcohol.
Ichthyol cakes, which are applied under a bandage or cheesecloth at night, and then removed, are very helpful. It is important not to breast-feed your baby at this time. If the process began on one side, you can apply the baby to the other breast.
If you could not cope on your own, then you need to see a doctor for help. Do not start the process, because it will only get worse.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the Montgomery tubercles are one of the secrets of human anatomy, which so far has not been known.