MICROPROLACTINOMA Meaning and
Definition
-
Microprolactinoma is a medical term used to describe a small, non-cancerous tumor that develops in the pituitary gland, specifically in the lactotroph cells. The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, controls the production and release of various hormones, including prolactin.
In a healthy individual, prolactin plays a crucial role in stimulating the production of breast milk after childbirth. However, in individuals with microprolactinoma, there is an abnormal increase in the production of prolactin. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including irregular menstrual periods, milky discharge from the breasts (galactorrhea), decreased libido, and infertility.
Microprolactinomas are typically small in size, measuring less than 10 millimeters in diameter. Due to their small size, they often don't cause significant neurological symptoms or vision problems, unlike larger prolactinomas.
Diagnosis of microprolactinoma involves measuring the levels of prolactin in the blood, as well as performing brain imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the pituitary gland and detect the presence of the tumor.
Treatment options for microprolactinomas vary depending on factors such as the severity of symptoms and the desire for fertility. Medications, such as dopamine agonists, are commonly prescribed to reduce prolactin levels and shrink the tumor. In some cases, surgical removal or radiation therapy may be necessary. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments with an endocrinologist are crucial to assess treatment effectiveness and manage any potential complications.
Common Misspellings for MICROPROLACTINOMA
- nicroprolactinoma
- kicroprolactinoma
- jicroprolactinoma
- mucroprolactinoma
- mjcroprolactinoma
- mkcroprolactinoma
- mocroprolactinoma
- m9croprolactinoma
- m8croprolactinoma
- mixroprolactinoma
- mivroprolactinoma
- mifroprolactinoma
- midroprolactinoma
- miceoprolactinoma
- micdoprolactinoma
- micfoprolactinoma
- mictoprolactinoma
- mic5oprolactinoma
- mic4oprolactinoma
- micriprolactinoma
Etymology of MICROPROLACTINOMA
The word "Microprolactinoma" is mainly composed of two parts: "micro-" and "prolactinoma".
1. Micro-: The prefix "micro-" is derived from the Greek word "mikrós", meaning "small" or "tiny". In medical terminology, the prefix "micro-" is often used to indicate something small in size or scale.
2. Prolactinoma: The term "prolactinoma" is a combination of two components: "prolactin" and the suffix "-oma".
- Prolactin: Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. It plays a critical role in female lactation, milk production, and menstrual cycle regulation.
