Pituitary Foundation - Prolactinoma

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Prolactinoma

A Prolactinoma is a Prolactin-producing tumour of the Pituitary gland. These tumours come in various sizes, but the vast majority are less than 10mm (½ inch) in diameter. These are called microprolactinomas. The rarer large tumours are called macroprolactinomas. Prolactinomas can occur in both men and women.

Very few patients with prolactinomas require surgery, as most prolactinomas (particularly microprolactinomas) shrink in size following treatment with medication.

Typical Symptoms

discharge from breasts (Galactorrhoea) - females
irregular periods (Oligomenorrhoea) or loss of normal menstrual function (Amenorrhoea) - adult females
impotence - adult males
reduced fertility
decrease in sex drive
headaches
vision disturbance

Resources available from The Pituitary Foundation

Prolactinoma - patient information booklet (revised 2001 - updated 2005).
Prolactinoma. Proceedings of the Inaugural Pituitary Foundation Conference (1998).
Prolactinoma. Proceedings of the Second Pituitary Foundation Conference (1999).
Prolactinoma. Proceedings of the Third Pituitary Foundation Conference (2001).
Prolactinoma. Proceedings of the Fourth Pituitary Foundation Conference (2002).
Newsletter articles on prolactinoma.
Fact Sheet No 5 - Hyperprolactinaemia, GP Fact File.

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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 17 June 2008 )

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Typical Symptoms

Resources available from The Pituitary Foundation