30 mm prolactinoma

[fatherglow]

My doctor says that I have had this tumor for over 20 years - just by looking at the size of it. Does anybody have more information on figuring out the age of a tumor by using the size/rate of growth? My int. prolactin level was greater than 1900 at age 47.

[rumpled]

I had my *known* tumor for 12 years and it was changing sizes, but was shrinking according to the MRIs (it was actually flattening and spreading)  and that was my Cushing's one - which was hyperplasia (a collection of abnormal cells which was like slime).

I had a prolactinoma on the other side that was 3mm. I did have full lactation and other issues from it, and it did not increase in size. Tumor size and symptoms do not always correlate - nor do labs.

I do hope the doc tested more than prolactin as prolactin can be raised by so much, and while it is the most common pituitary tumor, it is not the only type.

By *size* what is the size - if over 10mm, then you need to consider removal just based on size, if meds don't reduce it. Again, it depends on the type and if it will respond to meds and like SAT, if you tolerate.

[sickandtired456]

I should preface my comment above by saying I'm just going through this myself. I met the surgeon that's going to remove my tumor a few days ago after seeing an neuro-endo for the last 8 months. There are people here like rumpled and others that have been dealing with this a long time and really know their stuff. Hope all goes well for you.

[rumpled]

From what I know, different pit tumors have different rates. Usually they are slow growers but the larger ones can be non-functioning and can be fast growers.

You need a pituitary center.

[sickandtired456]

I just met with my surgeon he told me that micro adenomas usually grow about 1mm a year or less if they don't respond to medication. Macro adenomas can grow faster, but there are exceptions to the rule in both cases. Radiologists have their definitions about how to judge the age of a tumor by haemorrhagic, cystic and necrotic components as they have different contrast enhancement on the MRI. In any case, my surgeon wasn't as interested in how old the tumor was, but rather how large it was and how it impacted other structures and whether or not to take it out. Mine is 4mm x 9mm and I'm taking it out as I'm symptomatic and I don't tolerate the Cabergoline medication well.