[The best approach to treat prolactinoma]

The prolactinoma is the most frequent pituitary tumor; the clinical presentation in women is characterized by menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, galactorrhea and/or sterility; neurological symptoms are present only when the tumor exceeds the sella turcica which is exceptional. Prolactin levels over 100 ng/mL are usually diagnostic of prolactinoma, as long as there are no pregnancy and/or hypothyroidism. The first therapeutical option is dopamine agonist drugs, thus surgery has been practically eliminated. Dopaminergic drugs suppress both synthesis and prolactin secretion, which in turn restores the ovarian function and induces tumor shrinkage. In conclusion, dopamine agonists constitute the prolactinoma treatment; in addition drug withdrawal is followed by remission of prolactinoma activity. In men, the size of the prolactinoma is larger, macroprolactinoma which usually presents extrasellar extension accompanied of neurological and visual symptoms; however the prolactinoma exhibits a favorable response with dopaminergic drugs.