Prolactinoma

Prolactinoma also called as lactotroph adenoma is a pituitary gland tumour that makes too much of the hormone prolactin. It is the most common type of tumour of the pituitary gland, accounting for about 40%-50% of all pituitary gland tumours.

Pathophysiology: Tumor formation is due to neoplastic transformation of anterior pituitary lactotrophs, resulting in excess synthesis and secretion of prolactin (PRL). Linkage to aryl hydrocarbon-interacting protein gene (AIP) mutation has been identified in some families with prolactinoma and in childhood-onset pituitary adenomas.

Symptoms: When prolactin levels get increased there will be no periods, milk production will occur (infrequent in men), loss of axillary and pubic hair and Small gonads, gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction (in males). When there is mass effect then, bitemporal hemianopsia (due to pressure on optic chiasm), vertigo, nausea, vomiting are the symptoms.