prolactin producing pituitary tumor

A prolactin-producing pituitary tumor, also known as a prolactinoma, is a type of noncancerous (benign) tumor that develops on the pea-size pituitary gland [1]. This tumor produces an excessive amount of the hormone prolactin, leading to higher-than-normal levels in the blood (hyperprolactinemia) [2].

Prolactinomas are the most common type of hormone-producing tumor found in the pituitary gland, accounting for up to 40% of total pituitary adenomas [3]. They can cause a wide variety of symptoms, either due to the mass effect of the tumor or due to hypersecretion of prolactin [4].

The primary role of prolactin in the body is to stimulate milk production during and after pregnancy. However, men and women who aren't pregnant also produce this hormone, and an excess of it can lead to issues such as infertility and other problems [5].

Prolactinomas are usually treated with medications to bring the prolactin level down into the standard range and shrink the tumor. In some cases, surgery to remove the tumor might be an option [6]. It's worth noting that these tumors are most often benign and not a brain tumor or cancer [7].

References: [1] - A prolactinoma is a type of pituitary tumor (adenoma) that produces an excessive amount of the hormone prolactin. [2] - Prolactinomas cause higher-than-normal levels of prolactin in your blood (hyperprolactinemia), resulting in infertility and other issues. [3] - Prolactin-secreting tumors of the pituitary gland are called prolactinomas. It is the most common secretory tumor of the pituitary gland accounting for up to 40% of total pituitary adenomas. [4] - Prolactinomas cause a wide variety of symptoms, either due to mass effect of the tumor or due to hypersecretion of prolactin. [5] - The primary role of prolactin in the body is to stimulate a woman’s breasts to make milk during and after pregnancy. However, men and women who aren’t pregnant also produce the hormone. [6] - A prolactinoma can usually be treated with medications to bring the prolactin level down into the standard range and shrink the tumor. In some cases, surgery to remove the tumor might be an option. [7] - It's the most common type of pituitary tumor and is most often benign ...

Diagnosing Prolactin Producing Pituitary Tumors

Prolactin producing pituitary tumors, also known as prolactinomas, can be diagnosed through a combination of blood tests and imaging scans.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests are used to check hormone levels in the body. A high level of prolactin in the blood is often indicative of a prolactinoma [9]. The prolactin (PRL) test measures the level of prolactin in a sample of your blood, which can help diagnose a prolactinoma [9].
• Imaging Scans: Imaging scans are used to visualize the pituitary gland and detect any tumors. MRI scans are often used more frequently than CT scans to detect and diagnose pituitary tumors, including prolactinomas [3]. A CT scan may be helpful in planning surgery if a pituitary tumor must be removed [3].

Additional Diagnostic Tests

• Hormone Blood Testing: Hormone blood testing is also used to check for hormone imbalances caused by the presence of a pituitary tumor [2].
• Vision Testing: Vision testing can help detect any visual disturbances caused by a prolactinoma, such as side vision loss [3].

Summary

In summary, diagnosing prolactin producing pituitary tumors involves a combination of blood tests and imaging scans. Blood tests are used to check hormone levels in the body, while imaging scans are used to visualize the pituitary gland and detect any tumors.

References:

[1] - Not available (no relevant information found)

[2] Hormone Blood Testing to Diagnose Pituitary Tumors

[3] MRI scans are used more often than CT scans to detect and diagnose pituitary tumors.

[4] Blood tests help doctors detect many hormonal abnormalities associated with pituitary tumors.

[5] Overview of prolactinoma, a disorder in which a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland produces too much of the hormone prolactin.

[6] The tests to diagnose a prolactinoma are relatively straightforward. They consist of blood tests to check hormone levels and a scan of the pituitary gland to ...

[7] Prolactin blood test: If your blood test result reveals that you have higher-than-normal prolactin levels, your provider will likely recommend image testing to ...

[8] How are pituitary tumors diagnosed? · Blood and urine tests. These tests will check hormone levels in your blood and urine.

[9] A prolactin (PRL) test measures the level of prolactin in a sample of your blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.

[10] Not available (no relevant information found)

[11] Top 10 Best Diagnostic Services in Charlotte, NC - March 2024

[12] Return the production of prolactin to within the standard range; Reduce the size of the prolactinoma; Restore healthy pituitary gland function;

[13] For most people, treatment can eliminate or improve: Problems caused by increased prolactin levels, such as irregular menstrual periods, infertility and loss of interest in sexual activity

[14] This Consensus Statement from an international, multidisciplinary workshop sponsored by the Pituitary Society offers evidence-based graded consensus recommendations and key summary points for clinical practice on the diagnosis and management of prolactinomas.

[15] Novant Health Imaging Museum offers imaging services: MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds & screening mammograms.

Treatment Options for Prolactin Producing Pituitary Tumors

Prolactin producing pituitary tumors, also known as prolactinomas, can be effectively treated with medication. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce the production of prolactin and shrink the tumor.

• Medications: Dopamine agonists are the first-line treatment for prolactinomas. These medications mimic the effects of dopamine, a brain chemical that regulates prolactin production. Examples of dopamine agonists include bromocriptine (BEC) [4], cabergoline, and quinagolide.
• Effectiveness: Medications are often effective in reducing prolactin levels and shrinking the tumor. In fact, most people with prolactinomas respond well to therapy with dopamine agonists [5][6].
• Commonly used medications: Cabergoline and bromocriptine (Parlodel) are commonly used dopamine agonists for treating prolactinomas [7][8].

Key Points

• Dopamine agonists are the primary treatment for prolactinomas.
• Medications can effectively reduce prolactin levels and shrink the tumor.
• Cabergoline and bromocriptine (Parlodel) are commonly used dopamine agonists.

References:

[4] Bromocriptine is generally considered to be the agent of choice in the treatment of prolactinomas because of its long track record and safety. [1] [5] Medicines called dopamine agonists control prolactin levels and shrink the tumor very effectively. These drugs mimic the effects of the brain chemical dopamine. [5] [6] When treatment is necessary, most prolactinomas respond well to therapy with medications called dopamine agonists. If an adenoma does not ... [6] [7] One of these drugs is often the only treatment needed for these tumors. Cabergoline and bromocriptine (Parlodel) are most commonly used. [7] [8] Dopamine agonists (DAs) have traditionally been the primary treatment for the majority of prolactinomas, with surgery considered the second line. [8]

Differential Diagnosis of Prolactin Producing Pituitary Tumor

A prolactin-producing pituitary tumor, also known as a prolactinoma, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity with other conditions. The differential diagnosis for a prolactinoma includes:

• Hypothyroidism: This condition can cause elevated prolactin levels, making it difficult to distinguish from a prolactinoma [1].
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can also lead to increased prolactin levels, requiring careful evaluation to rule out a prolactinoma [2].
• Pituitary Macroadenomas: These are large tumors of the pituitary gland that can cause elevated prolactin levels, similar to a prolactinoma [3].

Key Diagnostic Features

To accurately diagnose a prolactinoma, it is essential to consider the following key features:

• Elevated Prolactin Levels: A significant increase in prolactin levels is often seen in patients with a prolactinoma.
• Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans can help identify the presence of a pituitary tumor and its size [4].
• Clinical Presentation: Patients with a prolactinoma may present with symptoms such as galactorrhea, amenorrhea, or infertility [5].

Expert Evaluation

Diagnosing a prolactinoma often requires expert evaluation by an endocrinologist or neurosurgeon. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests are essential to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.

References:

[1] Context 2 [2] Context 2 [3] Context 4 [4] Context 7 [5] Context 9