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Prolactinomas in men masquerading as invasive skull base tumours
R J Cook1, D Uttley, P R Wilkins
1Department of Neurosurgery, Atkinson Morley's Hospital, London, UK.
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Giant prolactin-secreting tumors invading the skull base can present with diverse symptoms in men. Measuring prolactin levels is recommended before complex skull base surgery when diagnosis is uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Giant prolactin-secreting tumors are rare pituitary adenomas that can invade the skull base.
- These tumors can cause significant morbidity due to mass effect and hormonal dysfunction.
Observation:
- This report describes four cases of giant prolactin-secreting tumors invading the skull base exclusively in male patients.
- The clinical presentations were varied and often misleading, complicating initial diagnosis.
Findings:
- The diverse presenting features highlight the challenge in diagnosing these tumors based on clinical and radiological assessment alone.
- Elevated prolactin levels are a key diagnostic marker for prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas.
Implications:
- Routine estimation of serum prolactin levels should be considered in men with suspected skull base lesions prior to invasive surgical procedures.
- Early and accurate diagnosis can prevent unnecessary or inappropriate surgical interventions and guide appropriate management strategies.