The German Endocrine Association said that prolactin tumor is a brain tumor that causes high levels of prolactin hormone, which is the most common type of pituitary tumors.
The association explained that the prolactin tumor is usually a benign tumor that develops in the pituitary gland, which is a small gland in the brain the size of a pea or cherry, and is located on the bottom side of the brain near the optical intersection, and this gland is controlled in many body functions, which is Responsible for the production of important hormones.
Unknown reasons
The causes of prolactin tumor have not yet been determined. In most cases, the tumor occurs automatically without any family history, however, there is also evidence that genetic factors may play a role.
The prolactin tumor affects both men and women, but women are more likely to develop it.
Symptoms of prolactin tumor
Prolactin tumor can be inferred through the following symptoms:
- Detamentation of the menstrual cycle.
- An abnormal flow of milk from the breasts.
- Thin endometrium and the possibility of vaginal dryness and pain during sexual intercourse.
- Low sexual desire.
- Increased facial and body hair.
- Osteoporosis.
- When men develop prolactin tumor, they often notice a decrease in sexual desire and erectile dysfunction and in some cases the enlarged mammary glands (gynecomastia).
- Headache.
- Weak vision if the optic nerve is narrowed.
Diagnosis and treatment
Prolactin tumor is diagnosed by performing a blood test to verify prolactin levels, and if the value is high, magnetic resonance imaging is performed or computerized tomography of the skull to see the tumor.
In some cases, other tests are performed to exclude other causes of high levels of prolactin hormone such as hypothyroidism or the side effects of the drugs.
Usually, the prolactin tumor can be treated well, and treatment is done by medications, which reduce the level of prolactin hormone.
If the drug therapy is not effective or if the tumor presses the structures surrounding the brain, surgery may be necessary, as the tumor is surgically removed.
If the drug or surgery does not succeed in achieving the desired result, radiotherapy may be used.
The association pointed out that the prolactin tumor may lead to poor fertility in women in the beginning, but timely treatment allows most often the possibility of pregnancy, as many women can become pregnant only a few months after the start of treatment.