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Giant prolactinoma mimicking bone tumor
N K Al-Zadjali1, E Turgut Tali, A Al Azzaz
1Section of Neuroradiology, King Faisal Speciality & Research Center; Riyadh, Saudia Arabia - Nahda410@Hotmail.Com.
The Neuroradiology Journal
|December 5, 2013
Summary
Prolactinomas, pituitary tumors, present differently in men and women. While women typically have smaller tumors causing hyperprolactinemia, men often develop larger tumors with mass effects, requiring careful radiological evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Prolactinomas are the most common pituitary tumors, classified by size as microprolactinomas (<10 mm) or macroprolactinomas (>10 mm).
- Clinical presentation of prolactinomas exhibits significant gender-based differences.
- Giant prolactinomas (>4 cm) with extrasellar extension are rare and pose management challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the distinct clinical presentations of prolactinomas in men and women.
- To emphasize the diagnostic importance of radiological examinations for evaluating prolactinomas, especially giant ones.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on prolactinoma presentation and management.
- Analysis of clinical manifestations based on tumor size and gender.
Main Results:
- In women, 95% of prolactinomas are microadenomas presenting with hyperprolactinemia symptoms.
- In men, prolactinomas often present with mass effect symptoms due to larger tumor size, rather than hormonal dysfunction like impotence or infertility.
- Giant prolactinomas are rare, often nonfunctional, and their management can be complex.
Conclusions:
- Gender significantly influences prolactinoma presentation, with women experiencing hyperprolactinemia and men experiencing mass effects.
- Radiological imaging is crucial for the comprehensive evaluation and management of prolactinomas, particularly large or giant ones.
