Tiny Gland on Edge of Areola

Updated on January 04, 2015
R.M. asks from Evanston, IL
3 answers

I have a montgomery gland on the outer edge of my areola (so right where pink skin becomes "regular" skin") that will secrete a very tiny amount of clear fluid if I squeeze it. It will only do it once a day, as if it gets "filled" back up with fluid. It has been there for over a year now and has not increased in size… the amount of clear fluid that comes out has stayed the same. It does not hurt or become irritated or anything. I mentioned it to my doctor a year ago and she didn't seem concerned but also none of the fluid would come out when I was there in the office (of course). I squeezed the other glands around it and that does not happen, and there is nothing that comes out of my actual nipple. My last baby was 6 years ago so I am long past breastfeeding. I go back and forth stressing over it, and not… so right now is one of those times I am stressing on it. I keep reading things about "nipple discharge" and breast cancer but I don't know if they mean from the glands in the areola or discharge from the actual nipple itself? Has anyone ever had anything like this?

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D.B.

answers from Boston on

That's not the sort of nipple discharge that is connected to breast cancer. In fact, most nipple discharge is not an indicator of cancerous cells - it's one possible indicator but this doesn't sound like that at all.

But these are sebaceous glands similar to sweat glands and the pores on your face and scalp that secrete oils. I'm not sure why yours continues to clog up and then only emit fluid when you press it, but maybe it's just leftover from the breast feeding days. These glands do have a purpose beyond that though. I believe these glands do respond to stimulation. So I'd say to leave it alone unless it's uncomfortable for you and you feel the need to relieve the engorgement. If you saw your doctor a year ago, you're probably due for another appointment in the next few months. So, I guess I'd consider some warm compresses in the short run to see if that opens up the opening a little to let the gland drain naturally, but I'd absolutely do nothing for at least 6 weeks before the doctor's appointment so that she can squeeze it at the time (as she no doubt squeezes the main part of the nipple during a routine breast exam). I definitely wouldn't stress about it unless you're going to do something about it, like make an appointment and let the doctor see you as you naturally are.

3 moms found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

I had that 27 years ago when I was 18 yo. My doctor wasn't concerned at the time so no further testing was needed. FYI...it eventually went away.

1 mom found this helpful

V.S.

answers from Reading on

I have a similar sebaceous gland in the same location. I've had it for probably 20 years. Nothing to worry about.

1 mom found this helpful
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