Prolactinoma

Question 1

what are prolactinomas?

Answer 1

type of pituitary adenoma, a benign tumour of the pituitary gland

Question 2

what is the definition of a pituitary microadenoma?

Answer 2

size <1cm

Question 3

what is the definition of a pituitary macroadenoma?

Answer 3

size >1cm

Question 4

what are secretory/functioning pituitary adenomas?

Answer 4

produce an excess of a particular hormone

Question 5

what is a non-secretory/functioning pituitary adenoma?

Answer 5

does not produce hormones to excess

Question 6

what hormone does prolactinomas produce?

Answer 6

prolactin

Question 7

what are the symptoms of prolactinoma in women?

Answer 7

• amenorrhea
• infertility
• galactorrhoea
• osteoporosis

Question 8

what are the symptoms of prolactinoma in men?

Answer 8

• impotence
• loss of libido
• galactorrhoea

Question 9

what symptoms are associated with macroadenomas?

Answer 9

• headache
• visual disturbances - bitemporal hemianopia
• symptoms and signs of hypopituitarism

Question 10

how are prolactinomas diagnosed?

Answer 10

MRI

Question 11

how is the medical management of prolactinomas?

Answer 11

dopamine agonists (e.g. cabergoline, bromocriptine)

inhibit the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland

Question 12

what surgery can be performed to remove prolactinomas?

Answer 12

trans-sphenoidal approach