Post implants 10+ years - Developed what feels like little tiny pebbles right underneath the skin. What could these be?

Question

I had obtained implants under the muscle about ten years ago. Last year I developed what feels like little tiny pebbles right underneath the skin of my areolas on both breasts. I had them looked at during my mammogram and ultrasound. They couldn’t even detect these “rocks” that you can plainly feel with just your hands. Some of them feel very sharp like they can push thru my skin with a little pressure. I know my areolas were removed during surgery. What could these be? Cause for concern?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear cmedley05,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You may be feeling your Montgomery glands which are normal.  If not you may need an imaging study that is more sensitive to determine the nature of the pebble-like masses.  An MRI should give you more information.  I encourage you to discuss the situation with your surgeon or PCP or whoever you see for breast health.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You might be feeling your Montgomery glands, which are normal in the areola, or may have some areas of scar tissue or even tiny cysts. I would suggest going to your doctor and being examined.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

That is an interesting question....   I wish you had posted a picture.   It is very hard to know what you are seeing and feeling, without seeing and feeling.  
I'm guessing that you are referring to Montgomery Glands.   Most women have 10-40 little bumps of their areola, around their nipple.  These are tiny glands beneath the skin, some are larger than others that serve 2 purposes.  1) they secrete oil to keep the areolar skin soft.
2) They also release a very faint odor that draws a newborn to the mother nipple, helping them to latch on.   The more Montgomery Glands, the faster a newborn will latch on.  
I do not know if this is what you are feeling in your situation.   It may be, but it is still worth being checked by a breast specialist.   If it is not this, then maybe a biopsy might be the next option.
Good luck to you

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Most women have 6 to 12 glands on their areola that secrete oily secretions that help stimulate newborn babies to suck milk.
The glands can occasionally get plugged up and can have buildup inside of them.
This is by far the most common scenario.
There are also rare forms of breast cancer that can form in this tissue. I suggest you get an evaluated by your primary care doctor.
. I suggest you get evaluated by your primary care doctor.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD.

Post implants 10+ years - Developed what feels like little tiny pebbles right underneath the skin. What could these be?

Answers (5)