Prolactinomas and the pituitary gland
Prolactinoma
- Benign tumour of pituitary (adenoma) that produces prolactin.
- Prolactin = Neuro-endocrine peptide hormone particularly important for lactation and regulation of the immune system. It also acts as a growth factor, is involved in clotting and can inhibit gonadotrophins. Regulated by the Hypothalamus.
- Most common type of pituitary tumour (30-40%). Most not considered clinically significant.
- Symptoms…
In women:
Abnormal milk flow from the breast in a woman who is not pregnant or nursing (galactorrhea); Breast tenderness; Decreased sexual interest; Headache; Infertility; Stopping of menstruation not related to menopause, or irregular menstruation; Vision changes
In men:
Decreased sexual interest; Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia); Headache; Impotence; Infertility; Vision changes
- Tumours usually smaller in women and larger in men
- Occasionally left untreated. Medication (to balance hormone levels) usually successful. Larger tumours, that effect vision may need to be surgically removed.
Pituitary Gland
- Endocrine gland at the base of the brain that sits in the Sella Turcica and covered by a dural fold.
- Linked to the hypothalamus by the Pituitary stalk.
- This Pituitary Fossa is within the sphenoid bone.
- Posterior = Collection of axonal projections from the Hypothalamus. Secretes peptide hormones that have been synthesised in the hypothalamus into the capillaries of the hypophyseal circulation.
- Anterior = Is a true endocrine gland. Secrete peptide hormones that act on target organs (Thyroid, Adrenals, Bone, Liver, Gonads). Regulates physiological processes, stress, growth, reproduction & lactation.
Cushings – Excess ACTH
Acromegally – Excess hGH
- Benign tumour of pituitary (adenoma) that produces prolactin.
- Prolactin = Neuro-endocrine peptide hormone particularly important for lactation and regulation of the immune system. It also acts as a growth factor, is involved in clotting and can inhibit gonadotrophins. Regulated by the Hypothalamus.
- Most common type of pituitary tumour (30-40%). Most not considered clinically significant.
- Symptoms…
In women:
Abnormal milk flow from the breast in a woman who is not pregnant or nursing (galactorrhea); Breast tenderness; Decreased sexual interest; Headache; Infertility; Stopping of menstruation not related to menopause, or irregular menstruation; Vision changes
In men:
Decreased sexual interest; Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia); Headache; Impotence; Infertility; Vision changes
- Tumours usually smaller in women and larger in men
- Occasionally left untreated. Medication (to balance hormone levels) usually successful. Larger tumours, that effect vision may need to be surgically removed.
Pituitary Gland
- Endocrine gland at the base of the brain that sits in the Sella Turcica and covered by a dural fold.
- Linked to the hypothalamus by the Pituitary stalk.
- This Pituitary Fossa is within the sphenoid bone.
- Posterior = Collection of axonal projections from the Hypothalamus. Secretes peptide hormones that have been synthesised in the hypothalamus into the capillaries of the hypophyseal circulation.
- Anterior = Is a true endocrine gland. Secrete peptide hormones that act on target organs (Thyroid, Adrenals, Bone, Liver, Gonads). Regulates physiological processes, stress, growth, reproduction & lactation.
Cushings – Excess ACTH
Acromegally – Excess hGH