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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Loss of smell and raised prolactlin level
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Loss of smell and raised prolactlin level
by chelan2, Sep 08, 2005 12:00AM
I'm a 36 yr old female and I recently realized I lost my sense of smell. I've also been having some stabbing pains once in a while in the side of my head. I also had a hysterectomy (TAH) a few years ago because of a borderline ovarian cancer. I've had regular follow-ups since the Ov. ca. and have had no problems. My family dr took some blood work and head x-rays. X-rays were normal but the blood work showed an increased prolactin level of 67. He was a little concerned although he said it wasn't that high and is sending me for a CT scan. He wants to check for a brain tumor, he seemed to be focusing more on a pitutiary tumor.
Is my prolactin level very high (I thought normal went up to 20)? I know my dr is being cautious, but how much do I need to be concerned about it being a serious brain tumor. Wouldn't I be having more serious symptoms?
Thank you for your time.
Is my prolactin level very high (I thought normal went up to 20)? I know my dr is being cautious, but how much do I need to be concerned about it being a serious brain tumor. Wouldn't I be having more serious symptoms?
Thank you for your time.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Sep 11, 2005 12:00AM
The most common cause of loss of smell is a cold/flu, or sinus disease. However, in a small number of cases, and in association with other findings such as headache, or an increased prolactin, one should be evaluated for a mass in the frontal lobes or at the base of the brain. Slow growing masses may not cause problems for a long time. Increased prolatin is associated with pituitary gland tumors, which are common, benign (that is, usually not invasive) but grow slowly and can cause compressive symptoms over time to closeby structures like smell and vision. There are several other causes of increased prolactin such as drugs, kidney problems, pregnancy etc, but a pituitary tumor should always be excluded. If present, and it is large enoiugh to warrant removal, it can be done minimally invasively through keyhole surgery via the nose.
An MRI scan is the scan of choice, not a CT scan.
Good luck
An MRI scan is the scan of choice, not a CT scan.
Good luck
Chelan
Sorry to hear about your issue. Earlier this year, I also noticed a markedly diminished sense of taste/smell, which came on suddenly.
Did yours come on suddenly, or was it a gradual thing? Is your sense of smell totally gone or is it diminished?
Take care.
You should talk to your dr about your loss - I never thought that this symptom could be serious. It's always good to be cautious.
Chelan