Letter to the Editor

Radiation-Associated Prolactinoma

Authors: Floyd W. Robinson, BS, James M. Gray, MD

Abstract

To the Editor:

Prolactinoma is a secretory pituitary tumor. Clinical symptoms and manifestations are secondary to either prolactinoma-associated growth (resulting in cranial nerve palsies and visual field defects), adenoma-related hyperprolactinemia (resulting in sexual and gonadal dysfunction), or both. Men with prolactinoma typically develop tumor-induced impotence (characterized by decreased libido and erectile dysfunction), hypogonadism, and infertility; in addition, adenoma-associated vision loss, neurologic dysfunction, headaches, and gynecomastia are common. However, in contrast to prolactinoma in women (which usually presents with amenorrhea, infertility, and galactorrhea), galactorrhea is not frequently observed in men.1

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Mancini T, Casanueva FF, Giustina A. Hyperprolactinemia and prolactinomas. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2008;37:67–99.
 
2. Piecha G, Chudek J, Wiecek A. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Eur J Intern Med 2008;19:99–103.
 
3. Klibanski A. Clinical practice. Prolactinomas. N Engl J Med 2010;362:1219–1226.
 
4. Cohen PR, Robinson FW, Gray JM. Pituitary tumor following radiation exposure: prolactinoma in a man exposed to radioactivity from the Chernobyl accident. Presented as poster abstract in The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Internal Medicine, 2010 Research Retreat. Houston, May 14, 2010.
 
5. Cohen PR, Robinson FW, Gray JM. Prolactinoma presenting as unilateral galactorrhea in a man exposed to radioactivity from the Chernobyl accident: radiation-induced pituitary tumor? Int J Dermatol. In press.