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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Cause Of Small Brown Spots On My Aureola ?

I am a 50 year old womanand I have small brown spots on my areolas, that look seedy, little black spots on them. Is this normal for my age or should I have them looked at? When I first saw the first one the Dr said it was a normal skin change, now there are alot of them
Sun, 6 May 2012
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response

These are Areolar glands or Glands of Montgomery are sebaceous glands in the areola surrounding the nipple. The glands make oily secretions (lipoid fluid) to keep the areola and the nipple lubricated and protected. Volatile compounds in these secretions may also serve as an olfactory stimulus for newborn appetite.
The portions of the gland on skin's surface are called "Montgomery tubercles". The round bumps are found in the areola, and on the nipple itself. They can become exposed and raised when the nipple is stimulated. The skin over the surface opening is lubricated and tend to be smoother than the rest of the areola. The tubercles become more pronounced during pregnancy.
The number of glands can vary greatly, but usually averages from 4 to 28 per nipple.
They are named after Dr. William Fetherstone Montgomery (1797-1859), an Irish obstetrician who first described them in 1837.
There is no need to worry unles you see inversion of nipple and hardening.
Consult your own PCP if in dowbt

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What Is The Cause Of Small Brown Spots On My Aureola ?

These are Areolar glands or Glands of Montgomery are sebaceous glands in the areola surrounding the nipple. The glands make oily secretions (lipoid fluid) to keep the areola and the nipple lubricated and protected. Volatile compounds in these secretions may also serve as an olfactory stimulus for newborn appetite. The portions of the gland on skin s surface are called Montgomery tubercles . The round bumps are found in the areola, and on the nipple itself. They can become exposed and raised when the nipple is stimulated. The skin over the surface opening is lubricated and tend to be smoother than the rest of the areola. The tubercles become more pronounced during pregnancy. The number of glands can vary greatly, but usually averages from 4 to 28 per nipple. They are named after Dr. William Fetherstone Montgomery (1797-1859), an Irish obstetrician who first described them in 1837. There is no need to worry unles you see inversion of nipple and hardening. Consult your own PCP if in dowbt