PRL-secreting pituitary tumors are those adenomas found growing in the pituitary gland which affects the production of Prolactin in the body. PRL-secreting (Prolactin-secreting) tumors are benign and non-cancerous abnormal growth seen in the pituitary tumors at times. This tumor affects the production of the Prolactin hormone in the body as well as several other complications.
Prolactin is a naturally-occurring hormone which is mainly responsible for the production of breast milk in women after pregnancy (lactation process). Prolactinoma is the tumor which affects the production of Prolactin in the patient.
Signs and Symptoms of PRL-Secreting Pituitary Tumors
As the pituitary tumor causing Prolactinoma in a person is a normally slow-growing type of tumor its signs and symptoms might not be noticed even after years into its development in the pituitary gland.
Signs and symptoms are mostly noticed as the pituitary tumor starts to affect the production of Prolactin in the body, leading to hyperprolactinemia as well as from the pressure being put by the tumor on the surrounding soft tissue structure such as the nerves.
As higher than normal levels of Prolactin cause problems with the reproductive system (hypogonadism) several signs and symptoms are exclusive to men and women separately.
In women, PRL-secreting pituitary tumors can result in:
- Abnormal menstrual cycle
- Irregular periods
- Milky discharge from breast without pregnancy or breast-feeding
- Vaginal dryness during sexual activities
- Acne
- Excessive body hair growth
In men, PRL-secreting pituitary tumors can lead to:
- Reduced facial and body hair
- Erectile dysfunction
- Gynecomastia (abnormally large breast in men)
The common signs and symptoms of PRL-secreting pituitary tumors are:
- Decreased bone density
- Hypopituitarism - decreased hormone production
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Infertility
- Impotence
- Loss of libido (sex drive)
- Vision problems
As the tumor affects the menstrual cycle in women, they tend to notice the signs earlier as compared to men. In men, the symptoms are mostly noticed when the large tumor begins to cause headaches and problems with the vision.
Diagnosing PRL-Secreting Pituitary Tumors
In case the signs and symptoms of PRL-secreting pituitary tumors are noticed it is advisable to consult a doctor/physician at the earliest for better and effective diagnosis.
The patient might be required to undergo any of the following tests for effective and precise diagnosis of PRL-secreting pituitary tumors:
Blood test – Testing the blood helps to determine the level of Prolactin in the body as well as the level of the other hormones regulated by the pituitary gland. Pregnancy test will also be performed for women belonging to the child-bearing age (pre-menopausal).
Brain imaging – Brain imaging techniques such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computerized tomography) can help to detect the location and size of the pituitary tumor precisely.
Vision test – Testing the vision can help determine of the pituitary tumor is causing pressure and affects the optic nerve which is located very close to the pituitary gland inside the skull.
Treating PRL-Secreting Pituitary Tumors
PRL-secreting pituitary tumors (Prolactinoma) is ideally treated using advanced minimally invasive surgical treatment methods today.
The main aims of the surgery are to:
- Restore normal levels of Prolactin in the body
- Restore normal function of the pituitary gland
- Decrease size of pituitary tumor
- Treat complications caused by pressure from the pituitary tumor on surrounding neural and vascular structure.
The surgical treatment of PRL-secreting pituitary tumors requires the surgeon to use advanced minimally invasive endoscopic surgical method to perform this pituitary tumor surgery. The surgeon will not make large incision instead the natural passage created by the nasal cavity is used to gain access to the tumor in the pituitary gland situated just behind the nose at the base of the skull.
PRL-secreting pituitary tumors need prompt diagnosis and effective treatment in order to restore normal hormonal functions in the body as well as to improve the quality of life of the patient.
