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Mass screening for hyperprolactinemia and prolactinoma in men
A Miyake1, M Ikegami, C F Chen
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Medical School, Japan.
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|May 1, 1988
Summary
This study screened 4803 men for hyperprolactinemia, finding a prolactinoma incidence of 1:1600. Mass screening aids early diagnosis of asymptomatic prolactinoma in men.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hyperprolactinemia, elevated prolactin levels, can be caused by prolactinoma, a pituitary tumor.
- Asymptomatic cases in men are often undiagnosed, potentially delaying treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of asymptomatic hyperprolactinemia and prolactinoma in men.
- To evaluate the utility of mass screening for early detection.
Main Methods:
- Serum prolactin levels were measured in 4803 men.
- Computed tomography (CT) scanning and surgical confirmation were used for diagnosis.
- Drug-induced and idiopathic hyperprolactinemia were considered.
Main Results:
- 14 men (0.29%) had hyperprolactinemia (>50 ng/ml).
- 3 men had very high prolactin levels (>500 ng/ml); 2 were diagnosed with pituitary prolactinoma.
- An estimated incidence of prolactinoma in men is 1:1600.
Conclusions:
- Mass screening for prolactin levels is effective for early diagnosis of asymptomatic prolactinoma in men.
- The estimated incidence suggests prolactinoma is a significant, albeit rare, condition in the male population.