Can a person have a microadenoma for years or most of their life unchanged?

[phooyman]

I too have a microadenoma and it was discovered because my monthly just stopped.  After telling my doctor during my annual exam, he pointed to this right away, and I was tested.  Mine is at about 7mm.  No problems, but it is a prolactin secreting m.a.  I've miscarried all my life.  And throughout the past 3 years of testing, no changes.  This isn't a brain tumor until it leaves the pituitary and exceeds 10mm right?  Why am I not on medication?  My prolactin started out at over 80 3 years ago.  It's in the 50's range now.  No meds to get it there.  Maybe it's because the doctor feels I could have had this for years and it won't change/grow?  




This discussion is related to hypothyroid symptoms and pituitary microadenoma.

[ChitChatNine]

Hello, I am not familiar with your diagnosis but wanted to say hello and welcome to the community; others may jump on in the thread ... also maybe try Dr. Lupo's forum.

Cheryl

[estrelinha]

You can get some answers here:
http://neurosurgery.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=212 and http://pituitary.mgh.harvard.edu/e-f-941.htm
As I understood, it started with 80 and now is 50? Prolactinomas are benign tumors (yours didn't grow and prolactin is lower). "Women who have hyperprolactinemia with a normal MRI scan, or a microadenoma, can be followed with serum prolactin levels and head scans. Treatment (with agonists of dopamine) is required if there is a significant increase in tumor size, development of amenorrhea, or other clinical indications".  Try Dr. Lupo and neurology expert forum, they will give you an advice

[rumpled]

You should be on medication. Even small tumors are significant when they are on the pituitary and should not be ignored.
You are having symptoms and need to have more of your hormones checked out as well as be on medications.
I had a much lower level, had a tumor and had horrible symptoms.
Please find an experienced doctor. Your doctor does not seem to know much if he thinks size is a criteria when it is not.

[Lsuarez777]

Hi, I have had a prolactinoma for 22 years now.  Mine was last MRI'd about 10 years ago at that time it was 5mm with slight hemmoriaging.  The initial finding was due to lack of menstrual and breast lactation, headaches and nose bleeds.  Once found I was referred to a great doctor (Dr. O'Connell) at Mt. Sinai Hospital on 100th St. and Madison in NY.  This Hospital specializes on brain issues and endocrine.  After several blood test and doctor consultations it was determined that this adenoma was secondary to a hypothyroid.  Medication (synthroid) was prescribed and that did the trick.  No more breast milk and my periods became regular. No more headaches or nose bleeds.  I had at least 3  more MRI's since the initial and the Adenoma has always been the same.  I am at this time considering another MRI only because it has been quite some time since my last and my TSH levels are up with a normal T4 level.  I will see my PCP here where I live now and if my new blood test reveals an elevated TSH level again then I will request an MRI.  I hope this info has helped you a bit.  I wish you well...