Prolactinoma

Prolactinoma is the overproduction of prolactin caused by a benign tumor of the pituitary gland. The increase in prolactin (hyperprolactemia) is associated with decreased sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone). Certain symptoms are a result of increased pressure to tissues surrounding the pituitary gland when the tumor is relatively large. These symptoms include headaches and visual impairments. Other symptoms that characterize this condition are specific to each sex. For example, women may experience irregular, or lack of, menstruation; lactation when not pregnant; uncomfortable intercourse; and loss of bone density. For males, symptoms include erectile dysfunction, and rarely, enlarged breasts. Symptoms tend to go unnoticed for longer periods of time in males. Such symptoms are not likely to become evident until the tumor becomes larger. On the other hand, females may notice changes in their menstrual cycle while the tumor is of a smaller size. In extreme cases these tumors could cause infertility in either sex.

Though the tumors aren't likely to spread to other areas of the body, they can increase in size; and because of the limited space around the pituitary gland, the can cause problems at a much smaller size than other brain tumors may. These tumors are more likely to occur in people under the age of 40 but rarely in children. Physicians may diagnose this condition using blood tests to judge hormone levels, but typically tumors are discovered using CT or MR imaging. Vision exams may also determine if there is increased pressure in the areas surrounding the pituitary gland. Many treatments may target symptoms and decrease prolactin production, but they may also decrease the size of the tumor itself. Certain medications may mimic dopamine, which is a chemical produced by the brain that regulates prolactin production. Other drugs may target infertility. In other cases where medication isn't effective, the tumor may be surgically removed. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, it may be removed through the upper portion of the skull, or even through the nasal cavity.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/

information and picture 1

http://www.neurosurgery.ucla.edu/

picture 2