Prolactinoma

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Endocrine glands

Prolactinoma - females; Adenoma - secreting; Prolactin-secreting ademoma of the pituitary

In women, 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.

Bromocriptine, pergolide, and cabergoline are drugs that reduce prolactin levels in both men and women. They usually must be taken for life. If the drug is stopped, the tumor will grow back rapidly, especially if it is a large tumor. Most people respond well to these drugs, although large prolactinomas are more difficult to treat.

Use of bromocriptine over time can reduce the chance of being cured by removing the tumor. Therefore, if surgery is needed, it is best to remove the tumor during the first 6 months of using this drug.

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

The outlook depends greatly on the success of medical therapy or surgery. Tests to check for recurrence of the tumor following treatment are important.

Tumor regrowth is the main complication. If untreated, a growing tumor can cause permanent vision loss, double vision, or blindness by pressing on the optic nerves.

See your health care provider if you have any symptoms of prolactinoma.

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

Review Date: 10/25/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, M.D., Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.