Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Disorders of prolactin secretion.
1Center for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA. molitch@northwestern.edu
Prolactinomas, tumors causing high prolactin levels, often lead to reproductive issues. Medical treatments like bromocriptine or cabergoline are typically effective, with surgery as a secondary option.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Prolactinomas are common pituitary tumors.
- They are a frequent cause of reproductive and sexual dysfunction.
- Hyperprolactinemia requires exclusion of other causes before diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for prolactinomas.
- To discuss the efficacy and tolerability of different treatment modalities.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis involves excluding other causes of hyperprolactinemia.
- Imaging studies like MRI or CT are used to determine tumor size and extent.
- Treatment strategies include medical therapy and surgery.
Main Results:
- Medical therapy is the primary treatment for prolactinomas.
- Bromocriptine is preferred for infertility indications due to its safety.
- Cabergoline shows higher efficacy and better tolerability for other indications.
- Transsphenoidal surgery is an option for specific cases, particularly microadenomas unresponsive to medication.
Conclusions:
- Prolactinomas can be effectively managed with medical therapy.
- Medication choice depends on the specific indication and patient tolerance.
- Surgery is reserved for refractory cases or specific tumor types.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral stimuli,...
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

