Prolactinoma

A noncancerous tumour of the pituitary gland that causes overproduction of prolactin. In women, this may result in galactorrhoea, amenorrhoea, or infertility. In men, it may cause impotence and gynaecomastia. In either sex, it may cause headaches, diabetes insipidus, and, if the tumour presses on the optic nerves, loss of the outer visual field. Diagnosis is made from blood tests and CT scanning or MRI of the brain. Treatment may involve removal of the tumour, radiotherapy, or giving the drug bromocriptine.

 

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