Prolactin Secreting Pituitary Adenoma is a medical term used to refer to a benign tumor that develops in the pituitary gland, causing it to produce excess prolactin. The term is spelled phonetically as /prəˈlæktɪn ˈsiːkrətɪŋ pɪˈtjuːɪtəri əˈdɛnoʊmə/. The word "prolactin" is pronounced as pro-lac-tin, "secreting" is pronounced as see-kreet-ing, and "adenoma" is pronounced as ad-uh-noh-muh. This medical term is often used to diagnose and treat hormonal imbalances related to prolactin, such as excessive milk production in women and infertility in men and women.
A prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma is a noncancerous tumor that develops in the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. This type of adenoma specifically produces excessive amounts of prolactin, a hormone responsible for stimulating the production of breast milk during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The pituitary gland plays a critical role in regulating various hormonal functions in the body. When a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma occurs, it disrupts the natural balance of hormone production, leading to an excess of prolactin. This condition is known as hyperprolactinemia.
The symptoms of a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Common symptoms include irregular menstruation or absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea) in women, breast milk production (galactorrhea) in non-pregnant or non-breastfeeding individuals, infertility, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction in men. In some cases, the tumor may grow large enough to cause symptoms associated with the compression of nearby structures, such as headaches, vision problems, and pituitary gland dysfunction.
Treatment options for a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma primarily aim at reducing prolactin levels and shrinking the tumor. Medications called dopamine agonists, such as bromocriptine and cabergoline, are often prescribed to inhibit prolactin secretion and help normalize hormone levels. If medication is ineffective or the tumor is large, surgical removal or radiation therapy may be considered. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare professional are necessary to manage the condition effectively.