Disappearing 8mm macroadenoma - any advice?

[geargarage]

Hi all, I was diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma (prolactinoma - first sign was breast secretion) in 1992 (I was 14). I had tests done & Prolactin was elevated (don't remember the number). MRI confirmed a 8 mm macroadenoma. Was given parlodel for awhile - no change in tumor so parlodel was stopped. Continued to have MRIs every 6 mos for the next couple of years. After that point, I was told "wait and see" and continue MRIs every year unless I noticed significant headaches and/or vision trouble. I never had these concerns come up (continued MRIs occasionally with no change in mass) & continued my energetic happy life. Fast forward 9 yrs & I start experiencing my first ever bout of anxiety (not something I had EVER felt before). Saw a Dr for anxiety & was started on Lexapro. I've been on anti-depressants ever since, but seem to increase dosage each year.

Here is where things get REALLY confusing for me. In 2007 had appt with a new endo (previous one retired) for MRI/bloodwork. MRI results indicated "NO abnormalities currently seen" on MRI and told that my prolactin & TSH+Free T4 are NORMAL. In reading the MRI results in detail it says: "Thin section imaging was also performed through the sella turcica including sagittal and coronal T1 postcontrast sequences." Does T1 mean MRI was done with enough detail that any mass would surely have been seen? I am baffled that a 8mm adenoma could simply disappear.

Questions:
Is it possible for a 8 mm mass to just disappear (without any meds like parlodel) when the mass was unchanged for so many yrs during the 90s?
Have any of you experienced anxiety/depression due to a prolactinoma?
Could the prolactinoma be (or have been) the explanation/cause behind my anxiety/depression? I was a very happy go lucky person (worried sometimes, but otherwise no mental issues) until experiencing this about 9 yrs ago.

Any Advice? Words of wisdom?

Have appt with endo next week. Would like to be prepared w/ questions, research, etc. Thank you!!

[Daniel M Prevedello, MD]

Dear Geargarage

It sounds like you are blessed. Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors and they rarely go away with no treatment; however, it happens. I would repeat the MRI with fine cuts dedicated to the pituitary gland to double check.
But as along as your hormones are normal, you are fine.

[geargarage]

Btw, I know a couple of very nice people have responded to me in the past - thank you! Please know I've read your replies and greatly appreciate your time. Wanted to post again now that I've received copies of my records, and can relay more accurate info. Would appreciate any advice, input anyone has.