Medical versus surgical management of prolactinomas

Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2012 Oct;23(4):669-78. doi: 10.1016/j.nec.2012.06.010. Epub 2012 Aug 17.

Abstract

Prolactinomas are the most common hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas, comprising 40% of all pituitary tumors. Prolactinomas present a unique challenge for clinicians, as these tumors are amenable to either medical or surgical treatments based on patients' comorbidities, tolerance to medical treatment, and the response of tumors to medical treatment. Rare prolactinomas that are unresponsive to either medical or surgical treatment modalities may be responsive to radiation therapy. This article reviews the recent advancements in the management of prolactinomas.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Prolactinoma / diagnosis
  • Prolactinoma / surgery
  • Prolactinoma / therapy*
  • Radiosurgery / methods