Prolactinoma

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Endocrine glands

Prolactinoma

Alternative Names:

Prolactinoma - females; Adenoma - secreting
Treatment:

In women, the symptoms of infertility, irregular menstruation, loss of sexual interest, and milk flow not related to childbirth or nursing can be improved with treatment. Men should be treated when decreased sexual drive, infertility, or impotence occur.

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Bromocriptine, pergolide, and cabergoline are drugs that reduce prolactin levels in both men and women. Once started, these drugs must be continued for life. If the drug is stopped, the tumor will rapidly grow back. Most people respond to these drugs, although failure is more likely with large prolactinomas.

Using bromocriptine over time can reduce the chance of a cure using surgical removal. Therefore, if surgery is to be done, it is best to perform the surgery during the first 6 months of using this drug.

Surgery may be needed in the case of a prolactinoma that is not controlled by medication, and in patients who have trouble tolerating medication side effects. Radiotherapy (conventional radiation or gamma knife) is usually for patients who have persistent and progressive (worsening) prolactinoma after trying both medication and surgery.

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

Tumor regrowth is the main complication. If untreated, tumor growth may result in permanent vision loss, including blindness, because large tumors in this area often press on the nerves involved in vision.

Calling your health care provider:

See your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of prolactinoma develop.

If you have had a prolactinoma in the past, call your health care provider if you experience recurrence of the symptoms.