Prolactinoma treatment options

  Although large prolactinomas develop from smaller lesions, only 7% of microprolactinomas can develop into large adenomas. After 3-5 years of observation without any treatment, the number of patients with microprolactinomas increases by less than 10% and decreases in 20-30% of patients due to spontaneous infarction of the tumor. If hyperprolactinemia causes symptoms such as hypogonadism, bone loss, and infertility, dopamine antagonists can be administered, and the latter can normalize menstruation and eliminate overflow of breast milk in 80-90% of patients.  Consideration of surgery and radiotherapy .  The choice of treatment should be based on the patient’s condition, reproductive history and special requirements, planned according to the principles of evidence-based medicine, and with full respect for the patient’s wishes.  The following outline can be used for the treatment of female lactinomas: Differentiate between microadenomas and macroadenomas, and treat them differently according to their conditions.  Microadenoma: 1. Amenorrhea: dopamine agonist or estrogen plus progesterone 2. Infertility: bromocriptine 3. Normal menstruation: no treatment, follow-up (SchlechteJA et al. reported no increase in PRL and no progression in this group after 3-7 years of follow-up). A amenorrhea, dopamine agonist, combined with surgery; B infertility, medication (bromocriptine preferred), combined with surgery (prior surgery for pituitary tumor is required if pregnancy is planned after ovulation).