What is a Microprolactinoma?

What is a Microprolactinoma?

Small prolactinomas (less than 10 mm) are called microprolactinomas. Larger ones (more than 10 mm) are called macroprolactinomas. There is also a rare type called giant prolactinomas, which are more than 4 cm. For most people the cause is unknown. In rare cases, there may be an inherited cause.

Are prolactinomas common?

How common are prolactinomas? Small, benign pituitary tumors are fairly common in the general population. A prolactinoma is the most common type of pituitary tumor, making up about 40 percent of all pituitary tumors.

Can prolactinoma cause death?

Mortality is unlikely, although a study by Soto-Pedre et al (discussed below) did report increased mortality depending on the cause of hyperprolactinemia. In cases where the condition is due to a large prolactin-secreting tumor, local mass effect can lead to significant morbidity.

Are prolactinomas hereditary?

Most prolactinomas occur by chance (sporadically) in people with no family history . In a small number of cases, prolactinoma may be caused by a genetic condition such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or familial isolated pituitary adenoma.

What is a Macroadenoma?

A macroadenoma is a tumor that typically develops in the pituitary gland, a pea-sized organ behind the eyes. They are almost always noncancerous.

What is a Craniopharyngioma?

Listen to pronunciation. (KRAY-nee-oh-fuh-RIN-jee-OH-muh) A rare, benign (not cancer) brain tumor that usually forms near the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. Craniopharyngiomas are slow-growing and do not spread to other parts of the brain or to other parts of the body.

What happens if prolactin is high?

Excess prolactin can cause the production of breast milk in men and in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. In women, too much prolactin can also cause menstrual problems and infertility (the inability to get pregnant). In men, it can lead to lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Is a prolactinoma serious?

Although prolactinoma isn't life-threatening, it can cause vision difficulties, infertility and other problems. Prolactinoma is the most common type of hormone-producing tumor that can develop in your pituitary gland.

Is a pituitary tumor a disability?

Pituitary disorders and pituitary tumors are deemed disabling conditions under Section 9.00 – Endocrine Disorders. It states that if any individual suffers from hormone production disruption, which affects the normal functioning of the other endocrine glands then such an individual qualifies for benefits.

Does a pituitary tumor affect memory?

If the tumor is very large it may press on other parts of the brain and cause problems with memory, weakness, or numbness. Some pituitary tumors may be observed without treatment because they may grow very slowly. Pituitary tumors are usually benign.