[Prolactin-secreting adenoma]

Abstract

Prolactinoma, a benign tumor originating from the lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary, is responsible for signs and symptoms related to both hypersecretion of prolactin and tumor mass. Hyperprolactinemia frequently causes menstrual cycle disturbances, galactorrhea and infertility in women, sexual disorders in men. Microadenomas, characterized by a largest diameter less than 10 mm, may induce frontal headaches, and macroadenomas (more than 10 mm in diameter) may also impair visual function through chiasma compression. Treatment modalities include dopamine agonist therapy such as bromocriptine which allows normalization of prolactin levels, restoration of gonadal functions and tumor shrinkage in most cases. In microadenomas a definitive cure may be achieved by transsphenoidal total selective adenomectomy.