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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Malignant prolactinomas
E A Popovic1, J R Vattuone, K H Siu
1Department of Neurosurgery, Prince Henry's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Neurosurgery
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Malignant prolactinoma, a rare invasive pituitary tumor, is diagnosed by metastasis, not histology. Bromocriptine offers palliative care for these aggressive adenomas.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Malignant prolactinoma is a rare, aggressive tumor arising from pituitary adenomas.
- Distinguishing malignant from benign prolactinoma is challenging, often requiring evidence of metastasis.
Observation:
- This study presents two new cases of malignant prolactinoma and reviews existing literature.
- Cases often develop from known, particularly invasive, pituitary adenomas.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of malignant prolactinoma relies on detecting metastasis, not solely on histological examination.
- Bromocriptine demonstrates utility as a palliative treatment option.
Implications:
- Understanding the diagnostic criteria and treatment options for malignant prolactinoma is crucial for patient management.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and targeted therapies for this rare malignancy is warranted.
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