Prolactinoma

A noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland that causes it to produce too much prolactin, the hormone that stimulates breast milk production. The chief symptom of prolactinoma is fluid leaking from the nipple of a woman who is neither pregnant nor breast-feeding. A doctor will examine the breast and test the fluid in a laboratory examination. If there are no abnormal cells in the fluid and the level of prolactin in the blood is normal, abnormal milk production is not a serious threat. However, if the level of prolactin in the blood is high enough, it can reduce production of estrogen by the ovaries. Lack of estrogen can cause irregular or absent menstrual periods, infertility, and bone loss. The tumor can also cause headaches or put pressure on the optic nerves, limiting side vision. Prolactinoma can occur in men as well as women.

An adenoma of the pituitary gland (found more often in women than in men) that produces excessive amounts of prolactin and, in some cases, endocrine effects such as galactorrhea of amenorrhea, or visual effects due to compression of the optic chiasm. Treatments may include surgical removal of the tumor or suppression of the gland with drugs such as bromocriptine.

A noncancerous growth in the pituitary gland known as a pituitary adenoma that produces and releases the hormone prolactin.

A benign tumor in the pituitary gland that leads to an excessive production of the hormone prolactin. In women, this can cause symptoms like galactorrhea, which is breast secretion unrelated to breastfeeding, amenorrhea or the absence of menstrual cycles, and infertility. In men, the condition may result in erectile dysfunction and gynecomastia, or the development of breast tissue. For both genders, the tumor can lead to headaches, diabetes insipidus, and if it puts pressure on the optic nerves, a loss in peripheral vision.