Prolactinoma natural history, complications, and prognosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [2]

Overview

If left untreated, 95% of cases of prolactinoma will not show any signs of growth during the first 4- to 6-year period. Complications of prolactinoma include intracranial hemorrhage, osteoporosis and vision loss. Prognosis is generally excellent for cases of microprolactinoma.

Natural History

If left untreated, 95% of cases of prolactinoma will not show any signs of growth during the first 4- to 6-year period.

Complications

Complications of prolactinoma include:

• Bleeding (intracranial)
• Tumor regrowth (after resection)
• Blindness
• In pregnancy excessive estrogen may cause increased tumor growth
• Osteoporosis

Prognosis

• Prognosis is excellent for cases of microprolactinoma.
• Depending on the size of the tumor and the extent of tumor resection, the rate of recurrence may range from 20% to 50%.
• The majority of recurrent prolactinomas develop within the first 5 years.