Prolactioma

Prolactinomas are benign tumors of the pituitary gland. They are the most common type of pituitary gland tumors. Prolactinomas can cause an increase or decrease the amount of the hormone prolactin. Changes in prolactin levels affect women and men differently. Prolactinomas are more common in women than in men and rarely affect children. Women may experience milk production (galacotorrhea), missed menses (amenorrhea) or irregular menses, and reduced sex drive (libido). Men may develop enlarged breasts (gynecomastia), low libido, vision loss, and headaches.

Blood tests are preformed to check for high levels of prolactin. MRI is the best imaging modality to determine if a tumor is a prolactinoma. Prolactinomas are usually too small to be visualized on CT.

Prolactinoma.		Prolactinomas

Prolactinomas are usually treated with medications that mimic Dopamine. Dostinex is on drug that is used in treatment of prolactinomas because of its dopamine like effect on the pituitary. Dopamine controls the amount of prolactin the pituitary gland produces. Medications usually control symptoms and patients are able to live a normal life. If the tumor has not shrunk or symptoms are not controlled by medication within six months of starting them, surgery or stereostatic radiation is recommended.