Prolactinoma Questions & Answers

Updated: Feb 15, 2022
  • Author: Venkatesh Babu Segu, MD, MBBS, DM; Chief Editor: Romesh Khardori, MD, PhD, FACP  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What are prolactinomas, and what are the signs and symptoms of these tumors?

Which studies are performed in the workup of prolactinomas?

What is the treatment of choice for prolactinomas?

How are prolactinomas treated in patients who cannot tolerate BEC?

What is the preferred surgical intervention for prolactinomas?

What is the pathophysiology of prolactinomas?

What is the prevalence of prolactinomas in the US?

What is the global prevalence of prolactinomas?

What are the sexual predilections of prolactinomas?

What is the prognosis of prolactinomas?

What is included in patient education about prolactinomas?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of prolactinomas in men?

Which hormone deficiencies may occur in prolactinomas?

Which patient groups are at highest risk for space-occupying effects of prolactinomas?

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of prolactinomas in women?

What are the possible space-occupying effects of prolactinomas?

Which physical findings are characteristic of prolactinomas?

DDX

Which conditions are included in the differential diagnoses of prolactinomas?

What are the differential diagnoses for Prolactinoma?

Workup

What is the role of hormone testing in the workup of prolactinomas?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of prolactinomas?

What is the role of visual-field (VF) testing in the workup of prolactinomas?

What is the role of biopsy in the workup of prolactinomas?

Treatment

When is treatment of prolactinomas indicated?

What is the role of bromocriptine (BEC) in the treatment of prolactinomas?

What is the role of dopamine agonist–resistant prolactinomas (DARPs) in the treatment of prolactinomas?

What is the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of prolactinomas?

How are prolactinomas treated during pregnancy?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of prolactinomas?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with prolactinomas?

What are the possible complications of untreated prolactinomas?

What are the possible complications of prolactinomas treatments?

What is included in the long-term monitoring of prolactinomas?

Guidelines

What are the European Society of Endocrinology treatment guidelines for prolactinomas?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of prolactinomas?

Which medications in the drug class Dopamine agonists are used in the treatment of Prolactinoma?