Prolactinoma: symptoms, causes, treatment

Definition

What is a prolactinoma?

A prolactinoma is a condition in which there is a non-cancerous tumor (adenoma) in the pituitary gland in the brain that produces the hormone prolactin excessively. These diseases include endocrine tumors that can grow on your pituitary gland. Although a prolactinoma does not cause death, it can interfere with your vision, cause infertility, and other effects.

How common is a prolactinoma?

Everyone has a risk of developing a prolactinoma, but it generally occurs in women aged 20-34 years. You can minimize your chances of getting a prolactinoma by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a prolactinoma?

Symptoms that occur in women are different from men.

In women:

• Milk flowing out of the breast even when not pregnant or breastfeeding (galactorrhea)
• Breast pain
• Decreased sexual desire
• Decreased peripheral vision
• Headache
• Infertility
• Menstrual cycles stop not because of menopause, or irregular menstruation
• Changes in vision

In men:

• Decreased sexual desire
• Decreased peripheral vision
• Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
• Headache
• Impotence
• Infertility
• Changes in vision

In addition to these symptoms, you will likely feel nauseous, vomiting or even tired.

There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always discuss with your doctor about dealing with your problem.

Cause

What causes prolactinoma?

The cause of prolactinoma is currently unknown. However, doctors suspect that the possible causes of excess prolactin include drugs, other types of pituitary gland tumors, an underactive thyroid gland, injury to the chest, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for prolactinoma?

Generally, prolactinomas occur in women aged between 20-34 years, but it is possible to attack both sexes at any age. In addition, people with low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) and mental illness are also at risk for developing this disease. If you don't have risk factors it doesn't mean you can't get a prolactinoma. These factors are for reference only. You should consult a doctor for more details.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for prolactinoma?

The treatment taken depends on the size of the tumor and the effect it has on your health. Common treatment methods eg surgery, radiotherapy, medication. If you have a very small tumor and have no symptoms, this can be followed up with an MRI scan and an annual prolactin level test to see if the tumor is enlarging. The doctor will ask you to take medication if the tumor grows. Surgery is performed when the disease gets worse. Radiation is usually only used in patients with a prolactinoma that continues to get worse after treatment and surgery. The patient will be exposed to conventional radiation and a Gamma knife or stereotactic radiosurgery.

What are the usual tests for prolactinoma?

The tests that will be done include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland
• Scan the brain with CT (Computed Tomography)
• Blood test
• Check your eyesight

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a prolactinoma?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with prolactinomas.

• Routine health checks to monitor the progress of the disease and also your health
• Follow doctor's instructions
• Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Tell your doctor or go to the hospital right away if you have a fever, stiff neck, headache or sudden blurred vision

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.