Are Montgomery's tubercles white or black?
Montgomery tubercles are typically black.
Montgomery tubercles result from melanin deposition in the skin, which is one of their characteristic features. Melanin is a natural pigment produced by melanocytes in the skin. These tubercles usually appear on the skin surface but can also occur in areas such as the oral cavity, lips, and under the nails. Therefore, Montgomery tubercles commonly present as dark or black spots.
Montgomery tubercles are benign growths and generally do not require treatment. However, if the tubercle increases in size or causes discomfort or pain, intervention may be necessary. For larger lesions or those suspected of being malignant, surgical excision is the most common treatment approach. Aspiration, which involves draining fluid from the tubercle via needle puncture, can help alleviate symptoms to some extent. Medications such as hydrocortisone tablets or aspirin may help reduce pain and inflammation.
If swelling, pain, or other symptoms associated with Montgomery tubercles persist despite the above measures, prompt medical evaluation is recommended to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.