Prolactinoma

• What is Prolactinoma
• Statistics on Prolactinoma
• Risk Factors for Prolactinoma
• Progression of Prolactinoma
• Symptoms of Prolactinoma
• Clinical Examination of Prolactinoma
• How is Prolactinoma Diagnosed?
• Prognosis of Prolactinoma
• How is Prolactinoma Treated?
• Prolactinoma References

What is Prolactinoma

A prolactinoma is a prolactin-producing tumour of the pituitary gland. These tumours come in various sizes, but the vast majority are less than 10mm in diameter.

Statistics on Prolactinoma

Prolactinomas can occur in both men and women.
Clinically significant pituitary tumors affect the health of approximately 14 out of 100,000 people.

Risk Factors for Prolactinoma

The cause of pituitary tumors remains unknown. Most pituitary tumors are sporadic.

How is Prolactinoma Diagnosed?

Test thyroid function and ask about other conditions and medications known to raise prolactin secretion.

Also look for damage to surrounding tissues, and perform tests to assess whether production of other pituitary hormones is normal. Depending on the size of the tumor, the doctor may request an eye exam with measurement of visual fields.

Prognosis of Prolactinoma

The outlook depends heavily on the success of medical and surgical therapies. Tests to scan for recurrence following treatment are important.

How is Prolactinoma Treated?

Very few patients with prolactinomas require surgery, as most prolactinomas (particularly microprolactinomas) shrink in size following treatment with medication. Treat prolactinoma with bromocriptine or cabergoline.

Hormone replace therapy may be required after treatment.

Prolactinoma References

[1] Cotran, R.S., Kumar, V., Collins, T. Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease 6th ed. W.B. Saunders 1999.
[2] Kumar P, Clark M. CLINICAL MEDICINE. WB Saunders 2002
[3] Robbins, S.L., Cotran, R.S., Kumar, V. Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease 5th ed. W.B. Saunders 1995.